The scarcity of natural rubber due to low yield and rubber plantation lands used in the past for other lucrative crops such as palm oil in the country is a hindrance for industries reliant on rubber to expand production and develop their markets.
Officials of Ferentino, a local tyre manufacturer, said the shortage of dry rubber was a major obstacle to meet market demand both locally and internationally.
“We need around 25 tonnes of rubber to run the daily operations that has been depending on imports which drain our foreign reserves,” Chief Operating Officer of Ferentino, Ushantha Jayalath said.
Tyre and other rubber based industry personnel shared the similar sentiments that they cannot expand their manufacturing base due to the inadequacy of natural rubber in the country.
“Local rubber prices have to match global prices if we are to be competitive,” an industrial glove manufacturer said.
The absence of a national plan to expand rubber cultivation with replanting is a huge blow to rubber-based industries which bring in the much-needed foreign exchange to the country.
The former Government initiated a rubber cultivation master plan to be implemented over a period of five year to increase annual rubber production by 60 percent.
Plantation companies have been stressing the need to convert unproductive rubber plantation lands to palm oil cultivation. The companies have been urging past presidents and plantation ministers to act on their request.
Plantation crops such as tea, rubber, coconut and sugarcane constitute about 880,000 hectares of which tea and rubber account for around 350, 000 hectares.
Ferentino Tyres marked a milestone in its journey —taking its exports to 38 global markets last year.
Following discussions with the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Ferentino explored ways to provide price reductions to local consumers recovering from the economic downturn.
The initiative ensures local consumers benefit from access to a premium international tyre brand renowned for safety, quality and comfort at an affordable price.
Motorists can now enjoy tyres that meet and exceed global standards at prices lower than comparable international brands. This initiative provides much-needed relief amid challenging economic conditions, delivering exceptional value without compromising on quality.
Ferentino over the past year had unlocked key markets across North America, Europe, South America, and the Gulf region.
This milestone coincides with Ferentino’s third anniversary in January 2025 and to market the anniversary Ferentino introduced an expanded range of tyre sizes, from 12 inches to 19 inches.
“With plans to resume motor vehicle imports—most vehicles requiring tyre sizes above 15 inches—Sri Lankan consumers will be able to access international-standard tyres,” Jayalath said.
Ferentino’s journey began with a vision of combining cutting-edge technology with local expertise, culminating in the setting up of its world-class manufacturing facility in Horana.
