The growth of SLAMERP from its humble beginnings in 1984, to the status of National Recognition amply substantiates the reality of the ancient Chinese quote of wisdom which states that, “A Journey of a Thousand miles begins with a Single foot step.


On 5th December 1984, Mr. Annesly Goonawardena, Managing Director of Elastomeric Engineering Co. Ltd, convened a meeting at the Orient Club Colombo to discuss, the necessity to set up an Association to safeguard the interests of the industries engaged in the manufacture of rubber products for exports. With the representation of more than 11 reputable companies which provided their joint encouragement and dedication, it was decided to set up an Association.


During the second meeting of the Founder Members on 31st January 1985, a Resolution was passed to start the Sri Lanka Association of Manufacturers and Exporters of the Rubber Products (SLAMERP). The inaugural meeting of the Association took place on the same day, and the First Committee of the SLAMERP was elected under the Chairmanship of Mr. N. G. Wickremeratne. The representation of the First Committee reflected the importance the emerging trends and needs of the rubber products manufacturing industry at a time when Sri Lanka was gradually entering a path towards a liberalized economy which was conducive for rapid industrial growth which needed to be augmented by foreign collaborations and investments, and the transfer of technologies.