Exclusive tableware for upper and niche markets Glazed wall tiles and floor tiles Ornamental ware/handicraft ceramics Advanced ceramics/technical/industrial chemical Stoneware and terra cotta Earthenware Sanitary ware Garden Articles Studio Potting and other utility ware (made out of porcelain) Other

Overview of the Sri Lankan Ceramic Industry

The expertise in the Ceramic industry of Sri Lanka dates back to the period 500-250 BC when ancient kings adorned their palaces with finely crafted ornamental ware as well as practical earthenware for domestic use. Ancient ruins and artifacts of these bygone eras bare testimony to the creativity and imagination of the people that graced this time. And this heritage of diversity and craftsmanship is showcased to the world today by a group of dynamic and imaginative ceramic producers who have taken this local industry to new dimensions of expressing creativity and lifestyle.

Sri Lanka supplies quality ceramic products, mainly porcelain tableware, porcelain ornamental ware and glazed wall and floor tiles to discerning buyers in the world market. Among these buyers are the USA, Australia, Italy, Germany, UK, France, Canada, Netherlands, Japan and Singapore. In 1999 Noritake (Pvt.) Ltd. introduced a very special fine China named "Casual Gourmet" which captured the fastidious American market. In 1996, a special intricate design with a Gold border named "Magnificence" manufactured by a reputed Sri Lankan company, Dankotuwa Porcelain Ltd, graced the banquet of the Oscar awards. These achievements were a result of a perfect combination of advanced technology and the traditional indigenous craftsmanship. Internationally renowned departmental stores such as May's of USA are regular buyers of ceramic products from Sri Lanka. Midaya Ceramics manufactures ceramics figurines for companies such as Disney, Warner Brothers, San Francisco, Music Box Co etc. Dankotuwa Porcelain ISO certified Company exports its gold and platinum decorated tableware to Wallmart, Macy's, Debenhams, House of Frasier and El-Corte.

The present industry segments of “fine tableware” (porcelain stoneware or earthenware), Ornamental Art ware (such as figurines, statuary and decorations), ceramic tiles (including wall tiles and floor tiles) and minor sanitary ware business grew from the exploitation of the island's abundant supply of natural clays and associated minerals. Rich in minerals, Sri Lanka endows its ceramic industry with an abundance of raw materials which can be garnered at very reasonable cost. The purity and quality of these materials contribute to the high standard of the products, which are now of international repute.

In 2006, the export of ceramic products to the European Union was valued at EUR 13 million. The main importers were United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Spain & Sweden. The total inflow of ceramic products to the Netherlands was approximately EUR 6 billion. However, the contribution by Sri Lanka was a limited EUR 0.98 million.

Today, this sector has been identified as a "thrust industry" to be nurtured and developed by the state. Presently there are around 30 ceramic companies in operation, seven of which are large with the remaining being small and medium scale enterprises. Competition among the larger firms is healthy and there is distinct product differentiation among manufacturers. The Sri Lanka ceramics industry also has some significant operational strengths, including a highly skilled workforce, relatively low labour costs, excellent management at factory level and design confidentiality/integrity well supported by advanced R & D facilities. Total industry employment, currently stands at approximately 20,000.

Sri Lanka's competitive advantages in the Ceramic & Porcelain sector

• Decades of industry experience
• Wealth of high quality raw materials available at reasonable cost
• Great emphasis is placed on quality control. On-line quality control is followed by a final quality audit, with each piece being checked by qualified and experienced personnel.
• Most manufacturers in Sri Lanka are equipped with the latest equipment and machinery. Modern manufacturing techniques and quality assurance methods allow for efficient and cost effective production.
• Highly skilled, literate and cost effective labour force
• Compliance with best labour practices
• Support services, R & D and training
• Industrial infrastructure
• Attractive tax incentives
• Safety of foreign investment
• Access to key markets
• The Sri Lanka ceramic research and development centre facilitates product testing.

• Ceramic use in electronic items is expected to make up almost 70% of the international market. This is an unexplored segment in which investments could be made.
• Furthermore there is a huge market for roof tiles in the Middle East. Local manufacturers are currently unable to meet the demand.
• Huge potential exists for establishing raw material refining plants.
• Building material
• Sanitary ware
• Supply of pigments and other miscellaneous chemicals used in the preparation of glazes, decals, liquid gold and silver.