OPERATIONAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL ISSUES IN TRADITIONAL KITUL PROCESSING ENTERPRISES IN SRI LANKA

Authors

  • P. V. V. U. Perera Industrial Development Board
  • M. G. Bandula Industrial Development Board
  • J. H. U. Hemachandra Industrial Development Board
  • M. U. Gayani Industrial Development Board
  • A. I. L. Sugathadasa Industrial Development Board
  • A. W. Perera Ministry of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development

Abstract

Sri Lanka was basically an agro-based economy at the time of independence in 1948 where, a developed plantation existed in parallel with relatively underdeveloped industries. Kitul was a palm with a historical advantage of its existence before 116 B.C. There were 2,587 families engaged in Kitul processing and 29,607 as Kitul tappers. Generally, 89,855 trees were tapped and 66,007 trees were used for processing treacle and jaggery. Main objective of the research study was to strengthen operational and technological capability for promoting Kitul processing enterprises in commercial level and to prepare policy & strategy framework. Major component of methodology adopted was literature review. Other one was questionnaire survey for direct beneficiaries. Sample size was set at 50 nos. at Neluwa Divisional Secretariat in Galle District. Data was analyzed using SPSS and case study approach was used. According to research, issues to be addressed not only led their survival and growth but also led changing their profiles. It was found that lack of policy and strategy guidelines was one major issue hindered its development initiatives. As a local resource based traditional enterprise, appropriate technology transfer and its dependence on operational, social and economic factors were to be considered. In that regard, there was an emerging necessity to introduce appropriate technology and supporting operational assistances. In view of above, it recommended establishing comprehensive linkages among stakeholders and beneficiaries, building capacity of supporting establishments and setting up of a national policy and strategy framework focusing on human resource, product & process development, and product diversification in addition, uplifting social and economic status of direct beneficiaries.

Key Words: Business Development Service, Operational & Technological Capability, Appropriate Technology Transfer, Capacity Building

For full paper: fmscresearch@sjp.ac.lk

Published

2012-02-25

Issue

Vol. 8 (2011): Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Business Management – 2011

Section

Articles