SL firms keen on JVS in Trinco’s Indianmanaged SEZ

Several Sri Lankan companies have expressed interest in investing in the Indianmanaged Trincomalee’s Manufacturing Special Economic Zone, officials said, at the conclusion of last week’s India Show in Colombo.

Kulathunga Rajapaksa, Managing and Executive Director of Samson International PLC, said they were keen on a joint venture with Indian firms in the rubber sector to manufacture rubber based components for Indian market.

Mano Selvanathan, Group Director of Carson Cumberbatch, said, “We have not decided on any sectors for a JV but we will definitely explore promising JVs with Indian firms in areas of our operations.”

Tilak de Zoysa, President of Associated Motorways (AMW), noted that AMW is also ‘very keen’ for joint ventures with Indian firms. “With our automotive expertise, we can manufacture rubber based automotive components and become part of the supply chain to Indian car makers.”

Ms. Ramya Weerakoon, Chairman of Ramya Holdings, said there was potential for collaboration in the hospitality trade and they were looking for a suitable partner. “We also are faced with shortage of skilled workers and therefore we are ready to receive Indian workers for our operations. We can also provide them with any required training as needed,” she said.

W.K.H. Wegapitiya, Chairman of Laugfs Holdings Ltd and Asoka Hettigoda, Managing Director of Hettigoda Group have already announced plans to enter JVs link up with Indian firms in rubber based automotive components and also enter the Trincomalee Zone.