Chairman Colombo Rubber Traders Association, ( CRTA) Sunil Poholiyadde said recently at the Annual General Meeting (AGM ) of the CRTA that the current performance of the industry was not at optimum. Comparing crop performances in 2015 and 2016 he reported a 79 million kilo drop in production in 2016. Additionally, he also expressed surprise at a very nearly 50 percent drop in production of natural rubber . He confirmed that 70 percent rubber originated from rubber small holders, who did not work their lands because of poor prices last year, seriously affecting production. Prices dropped to Rs. 200. per kilo which rendered such lands liabilities than assets. Additionally, small holders are now felling their rubber trees for timber for the lucrative furniture market. Consequences of such action will gravely affect production. Long term effects would be detrimental to the rubber industry. Poholiadda also said about 2500 hectares have been ...

Read More →