MN 5227

BUSINESS ECONOMICS

GROUP ASSIGNMENT

Department of Management of Technology

University of Moratuwa
2020

University of Moratuwa
MBA in Management of Technology
Department of Management of Technology
 Cover Sheet for Assignment

Names with Initials & student no:

G.P.T.K. Abeysekara 208265G
H.C. Althaf Cassim 208266K
S. Lavan 208282F
U.K.I. Liyanaratne 208283J
S.K. Nanayakkara 208290D

Subject Code : MN 5227

Subject : Business Economics

Lecturer : Prof. Sarath Dasanayaka

Student’s Statement :
I certify that I have not plagiarized the work of others or participated in unauthorized
collusion when preparing this assignment.

Signature ………………….. Date: 25-Jan-2021

Office use only :

Deadline Met Extension Given Late Submission

Marks Given :
Signature:………………………….
List of Group Members and Contribution
Index No Name Contribution
208282F S. Lavan Chapter 1 & 2

208266K H.C. Althaf Cassim Chapter 3 & 4

208283J U.K.I. Liyanaratne Chapter 5 & 6

208265G G.P.T.K. Abeysekara Chapter 7 & 8

208290D S.K. Nanayakkara Chapter 9 & 10

Contents
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 2

1.1 History ......................................................................................................................... 2

1.2 Sri Lankan Clay Products ............................................................................................ 4

2. Current Problems and Issues faced by the Industry ........................................................... 5

3. Technology Management related Issues ................................................................................ 7

4.Technology Transfer Related Issues ....................................................................................... 8

5. Innovation and entrepreneurial related issues faced by the clay industry. ............................ 9

6. Environmental issues encountered by this clay industry ..................................................... 10

7. Barriers for Clay Industry to become leading industrial sector in Economy ...................... 12

8. Future of Clay Industry – Prospects and Developments...................................................... 14

8.1. Future Prospects of the Clay Industry ........................................................................... 14

8.2. Developments in Clay Industry ..................................................................................... 15

9. Supply chain related issues of this selected industry ........................................................ 17

10. The possible role of R&D organizations to develop Clay industry ................................ 20

References ................................................................................................................................ 21
1. Introduction
Clay is a substance which is eco-friendly. By being a natural scavenger of toxins, it plays a
major role in the ecosystem itself. In order to improve its consistency, the natural source is
structured in a way that it colludes with water. As a consequence, clay is well known for its
standard of hygiene. This fantastic substance is molded into numerous shapes and sizes,
allowing unknown talents the ability to make their way to the surface. With such clay-based
goods, Sri Lanka is a nation with a long past.

The use of clay in Sri Lanka began to attract more popularity with the arrival of Buddhism to
the island, according to sources. Using clay, Buddhist stupas were made. On numerous
historical occasions, Clay craftsmen have come down to Sri Lanka, which gradually enhanced
local crafting skills to establish artists' careers. When it comes to its pottery products, the nation
specializes in their patterns and styles. A different function was fulfilled by each type of
pottery. Though decorative pottery was coloured and glazed, pottery used for domestic
purposes was also not decorated.

Sri Lanka has an assortment of clay in abundance. The raw materials are classified by their
contribution to the manufacturing of different clayware. There are three major types that can
be found in different areas of the island: earthenware clay, ball clay, and white clay.
Earthenware clay is the traditional red clay typically used by combining it with sand and grit
to produce bricks. This clay variety is obtained in Sri Lanka from the field of Naththandiya.
This clay's clean layers are used for pottery. In Boralesgamuwa and Meetiyagoda, ball clay is
primarily found. In wide deposits it exists. This is the type of clay which is used to make
porcelain and ceramics.

1.1 History

(Goonewardena, 2020) As far as history is concerned, it is said that when Vijaya, a prince
exiled from India, landed on the shores of Sri Lanka, potters were part of his entourage. In 288
BC, Bhikkuni Sangamitta, Emperor Asoka's daughter, arrived with a branch of the Sacred Bo
Tree from India, accompanied by 18 craftsmen. And the potter came along. Archaeological
finds, however, lend credence to the earthen-ware tradition of the country dating back to the
pre-historic period, such as the Ibbankatuwa megalithic tombs near Dambulla, which had burial
graves containing clay vessels (dating between 750-450 BC).
The use of miniature clay pots to hold human remains buried in larger clay pots and boat-
shaped clay tombs used to bury smaller clay pots with remains are other evidence from this
era. Interestingly, 3,000 years ago in Udaranchamadama, in Ratnapura, excavations of a house
composed of mud had fragments from a painted clay pot, which archaeologists claim was
created on the wheel of a potter. Additional goods contain clay beads used in jewelry. From
the villages in the northwestern district of Kurunegala to the western districts of Gampaha and
Kalutara, reaching as far as the villages in the Eastern province, the large spread of artisans in
the country gives validity to the historical body of evidence.

Utility and trust have historically powered the nation's business. The native kitchen and its
operations have been dominated by Earthenware goods. With the 'nembiliya', a bowl used for
centuries to strain washed grains into a basin known as the 'koraha' for people raised in the
practice of eating rice, their usefulness has been remarkable, while pitchers and cooking pots
of various sizes, ewers and cups have performed impressive functions where people gathered
to connect over food.

Likewise, for natives who used candles, pans, and alms bowls and the vase shaped 'kothalaya'
to conduct ceremonies, religious worship was fundamental to a meaningful life. While most
usefulness and religious objects are created using the 'sakaporuwa' or the wheel of the potter,
other techniques in the vast arsenal, such as pinch pot, coil and slab, mold casting and sculpting,
also churn out different clay-based goods. Sourced from mines in the wet, dry and intermediate
regions, due to its prominent scarlet-infused hue and a standalone character of consistency and
strength, the Sri Lankan red clay is the main preference of potters. Kaolin, also used in pottery,
must be reinforced with a mixture of silica and feldspar. Likewise, to maintain strength, ball
clay is often strengthened with extra material.

A duty guided by people beyond the trade is to collect clay. Clay deposits are easily extracted
by machines, but by diving into the water-logged mine, the best clay is harvested. The raw clay
goes through a lengthy grinding process in the hands of the potter. Until drying in the sun, the
clay is stamped on and then soaked in water to allow it to crack into fragments that are sealed
to extract stones and other waste particles. Again, the clay is soaked in water and strained, and
properly preserved for a few days for the absorption or evaporation of excess water into the
earth.
1.2 Sri Lankan Clay Products

(The export potential of clayware from Sri Lanka, 2020) A vessel's main necessity is often to
fulfill the purpose for which it is built. By using machinery that is specially designed for
pottery, Sri Lankan potters manufacture their exclusive products. These makers, such as
Kalagediya and Gurulettuwa, have conventional water-storage vessels with a circular shape
and a large inner space to store water. The clay used to make these vessels extracts and
separates drinking water from organic and inorganic toxins. Some of these vessels are therefore
used in the same manner today, although some have adapted to serve the new lifestyle of the
suit, while supplying the customer with the same benefit.

In the local kitchen, clay-based cooking pots that are used in conventional cooking still play an
important part. After they are made, potters leave these pots in the sun to dry for a few days or
they fire these pots in a kiln to make them hard and brittle. As a result, the hours they get to
spend on the fire do not harm these pots.

One of the key ingredients that Sri Lankan potters use when producing most items is terracotta.
It can be described as clay that is fired. The color of terracotta depends on the color of the clay
being fired. Items manufactured with this element, rather than pots, include tiles, bricks, and
decorative ornaments.

Based on their texture, tone, and size, terracotta tiles differ. In this type of tiles, these variants
are treated as part of its originality. Terracotta tiles are particularly absorbent from water. Due
to this unusual function, they are often put in outside institutions. Its thickness qualifies it as a
tile centered on the ground which can also be used for indoor flooring.

For producing roof tiles, the same ingredient is used. As a consequence of their intrinsic thermal
density, these tiles are exceptional heat absorbers. According to experts, if handled correctly,
these tiles will last for more than 100 years. Starting in the 1950s, the use of asbestos roofing
sheets became a standard. But a number of people have recently become ill because of diseases
linked with asbestos. In certain countries, it has been outlawed as a result. The health-related
advantages of Terracotta roof tiles are demonstrated here.
2. Current Problems and Issues faced by the Industry
(Clay-Pottery Kiln Project in Sri Lanka, 2008) The economic development of Sri Lanka has
largely been limited to the Colombo's capital and its immediate area. Above everything, it is
the against pervasive poverty and under-employment, rural districts struggle to fight. The
barriers vary from the insufficient talent levels of local entrepreneurs to the public
infrastructure that hinders development.

One of the traditional small enterprises in Sri Lanka is the manufacture of clay pottery. In rural
villages where clay is available, the producers are mostly based. The manufacturing method of
clay products is fully based on conventional methods where advances in technologies and
developments in procedures are barely noticed. In the rural community of Sri Lanka, traditional
pottery makers are recognized and classified as low caste people. Naturally, they are
disadvantaged, underprivileged and usually excluded by other societies. 52% of the pottery
households are below the national poverty line and the balance only above that is not greatly
different from having a slightly lower wage. Females are accounted for 1/3 of the cottage
industry, the rest for husband and wife.

Naturally, the pottery makers are underprivileged and the other groups in general are secluded.
Today, 46 percent of producer families still live in low-profile and unhealthy houses with a
roof of dried coconut leaves consisting of wattle and daub. In certain situations, the creation of
pottery, working, cooking and sleeping was carried out in the same small hut. Because of the
various situational facts, there has been no effort either by the government or the private sector
to improve the lives of these individuals and this sector.

There is already a strong demand for the clay pottery business. People demand clay pots for
cooking in towns and villages. Because of the absence of infrastructure and financing to update
goods for emerging consumer demand, it is difficult for supplier families to succeed in the
industry. The withering and burning method is one of the major issues of the pottery
manufacturing process. Burning, which is one of the most expensive measures in the whole
process, and facing the producers with the following issues:

● Strong investment costs for upgrading a small enterprise.

● Banks are not interested in offering loans because the amount they require is limited
and the banks demand that these poor families have no collateral.
● The latest pottery burners are very inefficient due to a lack of technology. More
firewood is consumed, unhealthy smoke is produced and goods are destroyed.
 ● Higher damage rate, on average, during weathering and burning 40 percent
compensation.
● Fuel prices are high and are rising day by day.
● Owing to inefficient burners, emissions and emission concentrations are high and
individuals are impaired by chest diseases.
● In the rainy seasons, the delivery of orders is delayed as the producer cannot wither and
air dry pottery goods before burning due to both rain and drought.
● Traditionally it is known that not all of the family's working members are active in the
manufacture of pottery products in the family sector. The explanation for not engaging
in the family sector in this respect is the shift in lifestyle and the neglect of the continuity
of the young people.

However, just to boost the technology and by that the amount of sales would not be enough. It
would also need to address the entrepreneurial factors and the social and emotional side of the
ordinary pottery maker household.
3. Technology Management related Issues
High energy prices
Usually the clay and ceramic industry use lot of Furnace Oil, Kerosene, LP gas and electricity.
The prices of above mentioned materials are very high in the market. Because of these high
energy prices, the Sri Lankan market increase the cost of the production. So it’s a big issue to
maintain the competitive prices against the other competing countries.

High level of Investment

The clay and ceramic industry improving energy usage and productivity by adopting new
advanced technology. But the available technologies are expensive and higher interest rates.
So people cannot afford the price of the material when they use new technologies for clay and
ceramic industry. If purchase these kind of modern technologies for clay industry the return of
investments also takes too long.

Lack of employees
These days there are lot of unskilled employees in this industry. It’s hard to find skilled trained
employees in this clay industry. This generation people thinks that being employed in a factory
is a low class job. The young generation have a negative image in the art of clay and ceramic
manufacturing, so it reduces the number of good workers in this industry.

Low quality materials in the market.

There are lot of low quality products available in the market for low price. Tile manufactures
affected by unregulated low quality imports which bring potentially unsafe ceramics to Sri
Lanka. Most of the times the low quality products rejected in many countries which are
purchased for a very low price and imports to Sri Lankan market. The sales of ceramics reduced
because of these low quality materials.

Rapid growth of Urbanization

In urban areas, it is difficult to find a pottery, because they don’t have a proper place to
manufacture products. There are many difficulties to find a proper place for the manufacturing
process. Neighbors will protest when there is a smoke coming from the oven.

Threat of new products.

There is so many new products come to the market, it is a serious threat for clay industry.
Mainly paper and plastic products have poses serious threat to clay industry.
4.Technology Transfer Related Issues
Less Knowledge of Technology

Usually most of the uneducated people works in this traditional clay industry, so they don’t
have any knowledge about technology transferring works, transfer mechanism and all.

Language Issue

Traditional rural area people runs the clay industry. They know only their native language and
they don’t know the other languages. So it’s hard to transfer the technology to these people.
5. Innovation and entrepreneurial related issues faced by the clay
industry.
Negative mentality of new generation & lack of labour
With the modern technological facilities new generations do not tend to be employed in a clay
production perceiving it as a low-class job. Therefore, industry struggles to find unskilled and
trainable employees who are willing to join this industry.
Also very few entrepreneurs tend to be involved in the clay industry due to lack of business
opportunities in Sri Lanka.

Lack of Government support

Government has not focused on the clay industry in the past few decades. Specially approval
process takes so much time. To obtain the mining license, it has to process through 8
government organizations.
Currently there is no incentive for the industry to improve energy efficiency and productivity.
Even though some incentives are available in terms of low interest loans, those are not focused
for the industry.
But the current government is taking steps to promote and help the industry to make a
considerable impact for the economy of the country.

Importation of low quality clay products

Most of the time, low quality clay products which were rejected from foreign factories can be
bought for low prices. These products are imported and sold for low prices in Sri Lanka. Due
to this reason, local producers cannot sell their international standard quality products in the
local market.

Lack of related research and development

As mentioned above there are issues like higher energy consumption, lesser use of automation
etc. There are very few R & Ds carryout to find solutions for these issues.
Specially researches related to;
● energy efficient firing
● technical ceramics & advanced ceramics,
is important to compete with international markets.
High usage of energy & higher energy prices
Specially in the ceramic industry more energy is used, such as LP gas, electricity, wood etc.
Since Sri Lanka has high energy prices, the cost of the clay production increases. Therefore, it
is difficult to compete with the prices of other countries.
Not having introduced energy efficient methods is one issue the industry is currently facing.

6. Environmental issues encountered by this clay industry

While clay products are being environmentally friendly, impacts of digging pits in the earth's
surface to obtain the clay, can be summarized as below.

1. Change in land use

Clay mining has been a reason for change of land use in aspects of cultivation, population, etc.
Data for 2004 and 2014 in Ma Oya area shows change of land usage due to clay mining.

Land area for coconut cultivation in Ma Oya area was 35% in 2004, where it has reduced to
30% in 2018. Same for the paddy cultivation. Land for paddy cultivation was 10% in 2004 and
in 2018 it was 7.6%. As identified through research, the main reason for this change is clay
mining in these areas. Clay miners buy lands which are suitable for cultivation.

2. Loss of biodiversity and Disruption to ecosystem

Loss of biodiversity is mainly due to excessive excavations, abandoned excavation pits. This
directly affects the flora and fauna in the vicinity. As an example in Ma Oya reservation, the
landscape of the river bank of the Ma Oya has changed drastically due to excessive clay mining.

3. Soil erosion and formation of sinkholes

In 2018 the area of abandoned water pits generated due to clay mining in Ma Oya, has increased
300% compared to 2004. Most of these pits are not excavated and filled again, according to
government regulations, due to the extra cost miners have to bear. These pit holes have led to
soil erosion and formation of sinkholes in the vicinity area.
Roads and houses are commonly affected due to soil erosion and sinkholes. Damages which
occurs due to formation of sink holes could led serious hazards to people and properties.

4. Changing water quality

In Ma Oya reservation, clay mining has become a critical issue. It has affected the water quality
of the area. Through their study, Arunashantha (2020) has shown there is a clear connection
between clay mining and degrading of water quality. Based on the study carried out in Ma Oya
area, it has shown water quality has greatly reduced in areas, where there are deep water pits
generated due to clay mining.

The study has identified the main reason for these issues, as not following the rules and
regulations of the environmental authorities.
7. Barriers for Clay Industry to become leading industrial sector in
Economy
As earlier discussed, clay industry is traditional industry with greater history since ancient
kingdoms. However, the present situation of clay industry is limited to the category of cottage
industry. Governments are doing various programs and took policy decisions to develop the
clay industry as an export oriented industry in Sri Lanka. Due to a number of technical and
societal problems, it is not successful.

1. Environmental impact of clay industry

Base raw material of the clay industry is natural clay and other composites mined from deposits
in the earth. Sri Lanka is rich with clay deposits spread around the country and traditional
industrialists used these clay deposits for their requirement. For the larger scale production, it
is needed to explore the clay mines continuously and on a larger scale. Its impact on
environment is very high

2. Scarcity and decay of resource

Most of the products use very high percentage of clay as raw material and therefore, the
consumption is high. Clay is used as base material for industrialized sectors such as ceramic
and tiles. Due to those reasons, there is a shortage of clay as raw material and as a natural
resource, it is decaying due to high rate of consumption.

3. Threat of substitutes
After introducing open economic policy, Sri Lankan market is flooded with number of
substitute and alternate products for clay products. Those substitutes are cheaper in price and
durability is high. Hence, larger portion of market share of clay industry was captured by those
substitutes specially imported from China and India.

4. Higher production cost

Most of the clay industries are based on manpower and there are lot of human involvement in
the process. Additionally, transportation cost of raw material and finished product is high. Due
to those reasons, production cost is relatively high and therefore, it is difficult to develop as
leading industry.
5. High price of the products
Due to the reasons discussed above, market price of clay products is relatively high. Therefore,
it is difficult to use clay products as consumer good and market is limited to souvenir and
ornamental product category.

Apart from that, there are some industries related to clay such as ceramic tiles, porcelain
cutlery, which are developed to the industrial scale with lot of technology involvement, though
it’s capacity isn’t sufficient to withstand as leading industrial sector. They have to face the
immense competition of rivals such as China and India, who are having the cheap labour.
Therefore, opportunity for clay industry to become leading industry in economy is very
difficult.
8. Future of Clay Industry – Prospects and Developments

8.1. Future Prospects of the Clay Industry

1. Higher demand of Developed Countries

There is new tendency in markets in developed countries such as USA, European Union,
Canada, Australia for the clay products as ornaments and environment friendly substitute for
plastics and polymers. Those demands arose from hotels, economically rich cluster, reputed
institutions and therefore, it is financially beneficial to dealing with this consumer base.

2. Development as traditional industry with tourism

One of the major income generation industry of Sri Lanka is tourism. Hence, it is possible to
use clay based industries such as making of flower pots, water storages, ornaments, toys in
tourism based areas to showcasing traditional artifacts and generate income.

3. Introduce new technology for larger scale production

Traditional clay industry is based on man power and one of the major problem in the industry
is lack of skilled labour force. Earlier, it was carrying forward by traditional families and young
generation is now looking for various employment opportunities. Major reasons for the issue
are low income, lack of economic stability and difficulty in work due to lack of technology. By
introducing new technology to industry is solution for the problem of manpower and young
generation can attract to the industry.

4. Promote ceramic tiles and porcelain industry

There is huge demand for ceramic tiles and porcelain equipment locally and internationally.
Those industries are well established in country and there are number of larger scale factories.
Hence, it is easy to promote those industries by attracting more investors and develop the
industry as leading industrial sector. For the purpose, government policy is very important such
as tax exemptions and remove the barriers for continuous supply of raw materials.

5. Improve the knowledge and awareness of traditional employees

Majority of workforce in clay industry are traditional potters and they have limited knowledge
and accessibility for new developments in technology and market. Hence, government can
conduct programs for make awareness for developing economically feasible industry.
 Clay industry is having larger potential and by proper usage of resources and skills of
the producers, it can be developed to greater height and establish as leading industry generating
foreign income to the country. If government can guide the clay industry with policy and
technological support, clay based artifacts can be developed as one of the major export item of
the economy.

8.2. Developments in Clay Industry

By the recent changes in government policies and economic situation, there are many
developments in clay industry, which will impact positively to the future of the industry. Some
of the key points are discussed here.

1. Introducing of “pottery tourism” concept

Tourists are encouraged to visit the villages practicing the traditional clay industry and get the
opportunity to experience the traditional culture, process and manufacture of clay products. At
the same time, tourists get opportunity to buy the products and participation of process and
discussing with the traditional artisans. By these activities, it is expected to promote the tourism
culture in clay industry.

2. Conduct workshops and pottery studios

Number of government institutions and private parties are conducting workshops and pottery
studios in Sri Lanka at present. These occasions are potential for craftsman and professionals
to improve their talent. Some of these workshops are focused on introducing the technology to
industry and with those workshops, young talent can be attracted to the industry.

3. Becoming leading manufacturer in porcelain and ceramic industry

Porcelain product and ceramic tiles industry is well established in Sri Lanka and due to the
good quality of products and materials, industry has earned recognition in global level. With
these advantages, Sri Lankan companies are able to become leading supplier for European and
western countries.
 4. Popularize the usage of clay products in society
With the present import limitations for substitute products and encouraging support offered by
the government, there is a tendency is Sri Lankan society to usage of clay products. This may
cause to boost in the industry.

As discussed above, Sri Lanka’s clay industry is developing rapidly exploring new dimensions.
With the continuation of government assistance and policy decisions, it is not difficult for clay
industry to become leading contributor to the economy.
9. Supply chain related issues of this selected industry
● Environmental rules and regulation for craving clay from nearby rivers and
sources
When it comes to the Sri Lankan law enforcement which is being put on to environment
pollutions and riverside reserves to maintain those forest reserves and wildlife in Sri Lanka by
the Sri Lanka Environment authorities, These rules are making a high amount of impact to the
clay industry extraction in Sri Lanka. Usually clay is being extracted near river valleys. Due to
the high amount of construction related sand extraction Environmental authorities have
enforced strict rules and regulations to avoid too much of riverside sand collecting. These rules
are making a direct impact on the clay industry. Which ultimately reduces the supply of raw
clay to the small scale businesses.

● Sri Lanka moving forward in the industry revolution and lacking man power in
the clay industry.
After the year 2000 from onwards Sri Lankan economy was highly advancing forward in the
industries like Information technology, Apparel industry, Food manufacturing, Agricultural
industries etc. Therefore, a lot of the local workforce is being utilized in the above mentioned
industries. Due to this factor and the recognition factors which the clay industry was having in
Sri Lanka, the human resource aspect is lacking in the industry drastically. Therefore, there
exists a huge amount of manpower which couldn't be fully filled accordingly.

● Transportation difficulties for clay workers to transport clay from extraction to

their work shop.
Usually people who are involved in the clay industry are low income level families which don't
have much assets to utilize on their clay item manufacturing industry workshops. In most of
the cases it's their houses. In order to transport clay from where it is being extracted and their
workshop most of the cases have a bit of distance. Due to the lack of financial capabilities of
these families there exists a barrier in which these small scale business owners have to pay a
major amount of money for transportation from the extraction point to the workshop as well as
from workshops to the selling place.
 ● Local vendors get a lot of clay related products rejected in the process of
transporting finished goods due to breakage in transport.
When it comes to the manufactures like Rocell , Lanka Tiles etc they have their own dedicated
end product transporting mechanism securely without any breakage during transport. Also all
sorts of sophisticated handling mechanisms like forklifts in the warehouse enable them to store
the end products effectively without causing any damage to the products. But when it comes
to the use case of the small and medium businesses owners they do not have these sort of
forklifts or sophisticated transport mechanisms. And in their process of loading and offloading
the end product includes a manual process which is more prone to breakage of the end product.
These often result in loss when these sorts of damages happen to the small scale businesses.
This is a critical factor when it comes to the supply chain aspect of the local clay industry.

● Local vendors lacking technological knowledge on improvement of clay products.

When compared to the large scale clay manufacturing organization like Rocell, Lanka Tiles,
Dankotuwa Porcelain etc. they have their own technology when it comes to the creation of high
durable products to the market. This often does not end well for the small scale business owners
battling up against the high end technology and winning against it is a difficult task. Since the
majority of the small scale business cannot afford the high end technology in their
manufacturing process small scale business holders market scope is narrowed down to the local
nearby cities and most of their product won't be making or hitting the big stages of the export
market even.

● Local banks and authorities minimize the loans and financial backup to SME
businesses in the clay industry to upgrade.
In scenarios where small and medium scale businesses in the clay industry want to upgrade
their process to the next level of production or manufacturing it is a usual thing that most of
the organizations seek financial aid from the local bank via loan facilities. But local banks and
financial organizations do not like to facilitate these loan facilities to the businesses due to the
high return risk and low reputations of the domestic level clay manufacturing business that the
clay industry possesses. Due to this often these small scale clay manufacturers left without no
assistance from the financial institutes in the local domain.
 ● Supply of orders is delayed in rainy seasons as the producer cannot wither and air
dry pottery products before burning due to both rain and drought.
Clay extraction process is a lot vulnerable to the climate change process in Sri Lanka. Due to
the unpredictable weather conditions which Sri Lanka possesses, it is more likely for the clay
related products and their manufacturing processes to get affected and often will affect in
unabling to supply or fulfill the existing market demand. If it is the rainy season, the clay
extraction process is more likely to get affected. Also when compared to drought season clay
extraction processes get a bit difficult as well.

● Pollution and emission levels are high due to inefficient burners and people get
affected with chest diseases.
When it comes to the clay manufacturing process in local manufacturing workshops. It includes
a lot of high burning of clay to make it strong and get tightened as a whole unit. This emits a
lot of environment polluting gasses to the air and often results in people who are nearby prone
to chest diseases due to the burned emission smoke of clay being absorbed by the respiratory
systems of the human body. Due to this most of the clay workers are reluctant to commit long
term to their jobs and more likely to use it as a short term basis job.
10. The possible role of R&D organizations to develop Clay industry
● Clay mainly used to create pharmaceutical drugs and tablets
Clay is used mainly in the drug and pharmaceutical industry for making tablets which Sri Lanka
have not explored yet most of the pharmaceutical tablets use clay as coating to the medicine
ingredients. If the relevant knowledge on how to adopt these medicine related coatings Sri
Lanka would be able to export these ingredients to the pharmaceutical manufacturers and will
be able to gain a good competitive advantage out of it.

● Clay as a natural coolant in domestic construction of houses can leverage to deep

heated climates.
Old days when people were building houses for living, Clay was being used as a natural coolant
for the walls to keep the inside of the house in a cooler environment. Also clay can be a great
substitute for the potty base products which are being applied to on the walls in nowadays
constructions. It would be an ideal replacement for potty since it naturally has its own coolant
effect in clay.

● Clay utilization on roof covers with embedded solar power generation units to it.
Clay based roof tiles are being widely used by old housing construction projects to cover up
the whole roof in the house. Similarly, the government explores the capabilities of
implementing clay base roof tile embedded with solar panel systems to generate power and
supply the generated power to the main line basically in dry zones where the sun shines
throughout the year.

● Clay water pots can be utilized accordingly as water holders rather than glass.
Recently concluded project by the Sri Lankan government ended up in manufacturing and
distributing clay related water holders to the corporate sector rather than using plastic water
dispensers. This ideally can be a turning point in where most of the plastic related products
which are currently being used by corporate private and public sector office premises is
possible to replace via using clay related product implementation. Researches and proceed in
this aspect in order to use clay related products can be used as substitute for plastic products.
References
(2008). Clay-Pottery Kiln Project in Sri Lanka. Colombo: Infrassure Ltd.

Goonewardena, J. P. (2020, November). The History of Pottery. Retrieved from Explore

Srilanka: http://exploresrilanka.lk/2020/11/the-history-of-pottery/

The export potential of clayware from Sri Lanka. (2020). Retrieved from Sri Lanka Export
Development Board: https://www.srilankabusiness.com/blog/clay-industry-sri-
lanka.html

The Distribution of a few Industries in Sri Lanka – Problems and Trends: https://www.e-
thaksalawa.moe.gov.lk/moodle/mod/resource/view.php?id=36023