23rd October 2024, Colombo — The Sri Lankan Scientist Magazine was invited to the prestigious Rubber Industry CEO Forum held at the Ramada Colombo, organized by Dr. Sisira Ranatunga, CEO of Polymer Products Impex Pvt Ltd, and Peram Rao, CEO of TechnoBiz. This event brought together leaders from the rubber industry, representatives from the Export Development Board (EDB), Industrial Development Board (IDB), university academics, and many other stakeholders to discuss the future of Sri Lanka’s rubber sector in the evolving Industry 5.0 landscape.
Dilip Fernando, the Managing Editor of The Sri Lankan Scientist, attended the forum, where the keynote address, delivered by Eng. Gamini Nanda Gunawardana, set the tone with insights on “SME Leadership Challenges for Industry 5.0 Transformation.” Eng. Gunawardana highlighted the pressing need for the sector’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adapt to advancements in automation, AI, and sustainable manufacturing practices, which are hallmarks of Industry 5.0.
The forum facilitated dynamic discussions on innovation, investment in technology, and strategies to strengthen Sri Lanka’s position as a leader in rubber products. Participants emphasized the importance of collaboration among industry players, academia, and government institutions to foster an ecosystem that supports research and development (R&D) and technological advancement in the sector.
This event marked a significant step in aligning Sri Lanka’s rubber industry with global standards and sustainability goals, with CEOs, directors, and experts sharing a unified vision for an industry ready to embrace the future.
