Impact of unlimited gas lighter imports threaten match industry - employees

By J.A.L Jayasinghe - Kandy

The importation of gas lighters in almost limitless quantities has dealt a severe blow to the match industry, which previously provided employment to thousands of individuals, the Organization to Protect Local Industries claimed.   

Employees of the local match manufacturing industry during a protest in Kandy yesterday have voiced concerns over the impending loss of livelihood as match factories face closure.   

Workers have highlighted that the influx of substandard gas lighters into the market at low prices poses a significant threat to local match factories. They have emphasized the need for government intervention to safeguard the four remaining match factories in the Pallekele Sri Lanka Investment Zone.   

On another front, environmentalists have raised alarm bells regarding the environmental repercussions stemming from the disposal of plastic-made gas lighters. The improper disposal of these items is feared to result in lasting harm to the environment.