Massive crowds at Galle textile exhibition

Saturday, 11 January 2014 11:39 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

An exhibition and sales outlet displaying Sri Lankan, Indian and European handicraft designs were held in the Galle Town Hall yesterday. Among those present were Child Development and Women’s Affairs Minister Tissa Karalliyadda, Southern Province Chief Minister Shan Wijelal de Silva and Galle District Secretary Ravindra Kariyawasam. Available at the exhibition and sales outlet were high quality, traditionally designed garments including sarees, shirts and kurthas

which can compete with products in the international market. President of the Liya Abhiman Organisation Attorney Pushpa Rajapaksa introduced the creation of Sri Lankan and Indian handicraft designs through the handicraft textile industry under Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa’s direction. The instructor is Indian textile designs expert Ishara Harischandra. The textile handicraft designing project commenced operations in the Liya Abhiman Designs Centre at Moragoda, Gampaha in March last year. At the beginning 48 women were trained for the purpose within a period of five months. Nearly 1,000 persons applied for this training program for which about Rs. 100,000 per trainee was invested. Thirty-eight of those who completed training are already self-employed with each of them earning almost Rs. 35,000 per month. All their creations are being sent to Laksala and other State institutions as well as private sector organisations.

The items on display are of international standard. These products with traditional handicraft designs have become popular in China, India and several other countries, thus helping to greatly reduce unemployment among Sri Lankan women. The type of hand-woven saree which costs around Rs. 80,000 in India can now be bought in Sri Lanka for about Rs. 30,000. Fifty women were selected for the second training program which began on 6 January. Arrangements have been made to hold the next sales outlets and exhibitions in the Matara, Anuradhapura, Hambantota, Kandy and Kegalle Districts. Those who wish to participate are requested to make inquiries from 0779363636.