Industry & Retail

Industry in Sri Lanka has developed over the years by taking the high road. In part driven by necessity, the country has tended to avoid low-margin, high-volume production in favour of value addition and customisation. The result has been solid demand for its goods and a strong international reputation. Meanwhile, investment in infrastructure has improved the operating environment, reforms are ongoing and efforts are being made to foster innovation and promote exports. Shopping is becoming increasingly convenient as modern outlets become more numerous, new malls are being built and an increasing number of global brands are arriving in the country. Most of all, local consumers are becoming more sophisticated and demanding better products as the middle class grows. This chapter contains an interview with Nandana Ekanayake, CEO, Siam City Cement (Lanka).