Tsunami affects 4389 industries : IDB survey reveals

Online edition of the Daily News: Business: by Irangika Range
The tsunami has affected 4389 industries in the country according to a survey conducted by the Industrial Development Board (IDB). Out of the total affected industries 59 percent are micro scale industries while 38 percent small, one percent medium and one percent large scale industries were affected.

According to the sector-wise analysis food, beverages and tobacco products (12.39 percent), textile and wearing apparel (21.92 percent), leather products (1.64 percent), wood and wooden products (11.44 percent), coir based products (20.98 percent), chemical based products and pharmaceuticals (0.48 percent), rubber and plastic products (0.55 percent), non metallic mineral products (2.92 percent), fabricated metal products (7.27 percent), agriculture and ornamental fishery (1.07 percent), paper and paper products (0.39 percent), handicrafts (2.42 percent), gem and jewellery (3.73 percent), trading, business and services (12.03 percent) and manufactured products (0.77 percent) were among the affected industries.

The survey has also found out that 1.5 percent of employees and employers died and one percent employers has been disabled due to the disaster.

The cost of damage to machinery, tools, equipment, raw materials, and semi finished and finished goods and vehicles has been Rs. 1400 million.

The IDB under the guidance of the Ministry of Small and Rural Industries conducted the survey from January 15 to 30. The industries recorded in the survey are from Ampara, Batticaloa, Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, Hambantota, Jaffna, Kalutara, Matara, Mullaitivu and Trincomalee districts.

These industries have obtained credit facilities amounting to Rs.501 million from financial institutions and invested Rs. 3168 million on their businesses and industries.