The Current Challenges in Sri Lanka’s Rattan Manufacturing Industry

Abstract

This research examines the contemporary challenges associated with the rattan manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the main objective of this research is to identify the current challenges associated with the rattan manufacturing industry. This research was carried out using a mixed methodology under the inductive approach. Quantitative and qualitative data were used for the research and they were collected from primary and secondary sources. The secondary data were collected through DSD offices, resource profiles, district, and statistical handbooks, relevant websites, and journal articles. Questionnaires, structured and semi-structured interviews, were used to obtain primary data. Radawadunna Grama Niladhari Division of the Mirigama Divisional Secretariat Division in the Gampaha District in Sri Lanka was selected as the sample for conducting this study. The reason for selecting this area for this study was that this area is identified as a place significantly famous for rattan-related products and trade. Ten attributes were derived from the literature survey to identify the research objective. A factor analysis was performed using SPSS software and the analyzed data were presented in tables. After analyzing data, it was identified the challenges faced by the traders engaged in the rattan manufacturing industry in this area. Thus, the four factors can be named as, Resource scarcity, Market factors, Spatial factors and, Cultural factors. Under these four main factors, several other sub-factors can be identified. Accordingly, the study finally identified several challenges associated with the rattan industry in present Sri Lanka.