Investigation of barriers to implement sustainable manufacturing practices among traditional brass craftsmen in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The Sri Lankan traditional brass manufacturing industry has undergone considerable evolution in the past. Archaeological evidences like artifacts which belong to the Anuradhapura civilization to the Kandyan Kingdom witness the glory and popularity of the industry in the ancient era. Though modern technology has conquered many of the industries globally and locally after the Industrial Revolution and especially after Europeans invaded the island in the early 16ᵗʰ century, appropriate technology transfer has not reached the local brass manufacturing industry due to several reasons. Further, this industry faces severe problems such as scarcity and fluctuations of raw material prices, inability to obtain quality materials, improper practices and processes, inadequate marketing strategies etc. Technical needs of the industry have been assessed and steps have been taken to promote sustainable manufacturing practices in the recent past. However, still there is no proper study carried out on the barriers faced by craftsmen in order to adapt sustainable manufacturing practices in present context. A case study was carried out with several brass craftsmen who have already adapted some of the sustainable manufacturing practices promoted by previous studies. A feedback survey was then carried out to promote sustainable manufacturing practices among the traditional brass craftsmen after conducting workshops. The results of the case study and the feedback survey revealed that there are several socio-cultural and economic problems related to lack of interest on adapting sustainable manufacturing practices among traditional brass craftsmen.