The Bamboo Timber Training and Development Center was declared open on December 21 at the Laksala premises in Katubedda by Minister of Industries Wimal Weerawansa.
The Bamboo Timber Training and Development Center was established with the sponsorship of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) by the Industrial Development Board (IDB) with the objective of strengthening the Industry Chain Line associated with bamboo,
The main objectives of this center are to popularize growing bamboo, introducing products made with bamboo timber, export development and providing services associated with bamboo.
Subsequent to opening the training center, the Minister closely observed the relevant procedure and creations made using bamboo timber. UNIDO has provided USD 100,000 worth of technical equipment on behalf of this training center.
This Center is due to provide training required for those who engage in bamboo timber businesses and new businessmen, manufacturers using bamboo timber, industrialists and state organizations. It will also act as a training center and a center for supplying key information to universities and users and will act to provide the market recognition required. Further, by supplying required equipment and other infrastructure facilities for products associated with bamboo timber, entrepreneurs who participate in this venture will be encouraged. Also, this center will enable a place to be established where international agreements, publications and other information in association with products made out of bamboo will be contained. The center will also serve as a showroom for creations and various other products made using bamboo timber. It will also provide the service of being a training center and a coordinating office for universities and research institutes regarding new products made out of bamboo timber as well as research. A group of dignitaries including Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Industries, S. L. Nazeer, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Industrial Development Board, Upasena Dissanayake, Director General P. L. U. Rathnamalala, National Coordinator of UNIDO Niroshani Peiris, Chairman of the National Design Center Ajith Jayawardena, Chairman of the National Crafts Council Sudath Abeysekera, Members of the Board of Directors of the Sri Lanka Industrial Development Board Buddhika Wimalasiri and Aloka Waahalawatte were present on this occasion.
