Peace Collection to connect rural Sri Lanka

Unique Rs.300 million strategy to drive trade globally

In an innovative strategy conceptualised by Industries and Commerce Minister Rishard Bathiudeen, a new brand to connect microenterprises to the global market was discussed with US Ambassador Patricia Butenis at the Ministry.

The project was designed to implement the Budget proposal of creating one million economic units to add to the strong SME economy that Sri Lanka currently has, said Minister Bathiudeen. 

The Minister explained the finer points, noting that supply chain development would be done on areas of handloom, pottery, vegetable and fruits as well as home gardening with a specific emphasis on product design in the handloom sector by designer specialists.

Thereafter, these products will be connected under a brand called ‘Peace Collection,’ whereby a global consumer is reached. The Minister added that this initiative is being developed with the advice of Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa.

The Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Industries Ministry Rohantha Athukorala said that this initiative coming under the Peace Collection would help bridge link between the people of the north and east and people living overseas similar to the countries that have had conflicts. He went on to say that the department store Macy’s had already committed to carry the brand, signifying signifies the importance of the initiative.

The Academy of Design, which works closely with many microenterprises on developing merchandise, will implement a first phase of the project whereby based on global needs the product will be developed and then with aid of a buyer the US market will be accessed, to which Butenis responded very positively, commenting that it was a unique project that connects rural Sri Lanka.

She also expressed support for the initiative and commended Minister Bathiudeen on this pioneering tri-party venture between the private and public sectors and the rural people of the country.

Head of UNIDO Nawaz Rajabdeen said that with some seed funding, technical expertise could be provided so that it would bring in an international dimension to the project, ensuring that sustainability is assured. The project is a novel private-public partnership activity that connects rural Sri Lanka with the global consumer.