A decrease in firecracker production due to observed losses

The All Ceylon Firecracker Manufacturers' Association states that despite a high demand for firecrackers and fireworks in the market for the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year season, their supply has been severely disrupted due to the impact of the recent 'Ditwah' cyclone.

Mr. Dinesh Fernando, the president of the association, pointed out that a significant portion of the firecracker stocks produced for the festive season has been destroyed due to the cyclone, leading to a severe crisis in the entire supply process.

In addition to this natural disaster, manufacturers are currently facing a severe problem in obtaining necessary raw materials. The president stated that only 50% of the required full quota of potassium nitrate has been issued to them for April. Despite repeated requests to authorities to streamline the supply of raw materials during festive seasons, no positive response has been received so far.

Due to global market conditions, including geopolitical crises in the Middle East, the prices of polythene, sulfur, and other key chemicals have increased, significantly raising the production cost in the firecracker industry. He further pointed out that transportation costs have also increased due to rising fuel prices.

However, he emphasized that manufacturers are unable to pass on these increased production costs to consumers given the current market conditions.

It has also been revealed that about 60% of the workers involved in this industry have been severely affected by the cyclone. Mr. Dinesh Fernando stated that since 90% of the country's total firecracker production is centered in the Kimbulapitiya area of the Gampaha district, this clearly demonstrates how vulnerable the entire industry is to such localized disaster situations.