Sri Lanka, Nov. 2 -- The Sri Lanka Safety Match Manufacturers' Association has warned that the influx of substandard, non-standardised plastic lighters is causing a collapse of the local matchbox industry.

The Association pointed out that this situation places approximately 25,000 workers-both directly and indirectly employed in the industry-at risk of losing their jobs, with the added threat of factories being forced to shut down. This information was revealed during a press briefing held to raise awareness about the issue.

B.D.R. Rajan, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Safety Match Manufacturers' Association, offered the following comments:

"For about two and a half years now, a certain type of plastic lighter has been imported from foreign...