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State Minister of Batik, Handloom and Local Apparel Productions Dayasiri Jayasekera ceremoniously opens the Ayang Kaalo lifestyle centre in Laksala Colombo 7, while (second from left): Ayang Kaalo Founder Dumindu Karunagoda and MP Anura Priyadarshana Yapa look on
State Minister of Batik, Handloom and Local Apparel Productions Dayasiri Jayasekera visiting the Ayang Kaalo lifestyle centre
By Safna Malik
Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board (Laksala), together with State Ministry of Batik, Handloom and Local Apparel Productions recently introduced ‘Ayang Kaalo’ as the Official Wellness Partner.
Gracing the event as the Chief Guest, Batik, Handloom and Local Apparel Production State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera said: “We are excited to launch ‘Ayang Kalo’ and announce the brand name as the authorised wellness partner of Laksala. Ayang Kalo hallmark brand to promote the medicinal herbs, spice products, and traditional wellness services that originated from Sri Lanka to the whole world.
There is a huge consumer preference growing towards Ayurveda health and personal care products and wellness centres these days, Ayang Kalo Managing Director/CEO Duminda Karunagoda added.
“Ayuruveda has been tested throughout the years and it is known as the oldest science of healing; these traditional herbal medicines have gained people’s trust. The entire world trusts this chemical-free way of life. That is why as a responsible Sri Lankan citizen, my team and I came up with this brand to promote our medicinal values to the world.” “The Ayang Kalo is a one-stop solution under the roof of Laksala with 3,000 years of herbs and spices that have been secured all these years by Sri Lankans from the influence that we got from the Chinese, Middle-Eastern, and British showcase of medicinal values to each product,” he added,
Explaining the meaning behind ‘Ayang Kalo’, Karunagoda said: “It means, “time is now”, it was a Sanskrit word taken to emphasise the fact that whether we look at the future or the past we have to live in the present thriving on the past to succeed on the future. Since the Batik, Handloom and Local Apparel Production State Minister carried a visionary idea to export local handicraft products to Europe and Asian countries, we as a wellness partner would like to introduce our medicinal products along with it to serve the international market.”
He said Laksala is one of the top shopping destinations among tourists since most foreigners value artistic products that are handmade. He said they have been taking a holistic approach to their products and they have products from washing powder, personal care products, to spices.
Explaining about the washing powder in detail, Karunagoda said while most of the detergents are made out of oil, the safety of some oil cannot be guaranteed, and it could affect the skin badly. Rather than using unsafe compounds, he urged people to try their coconut-oil based detergent powder for a change.
Speaking about the standards, the team always makes sure to clinically test the products and confirm it is harmless. He also highlighted that the website has been launched and clients can use it for online orders. However, there will be another feature which will be added soon for foreigners, which will create a friendly-user experience for them.
Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board CEO Lakmal Wikramarachchi, addressing the gathering at the inaugural of Ayang Kalo, said they have planned to implement new strategies along with several government and private base companies to create new business opportunities.
He said Laksala was first established to promote the products by rural handicraft and artisans as a way of supporting SMEs in Sri Lanka.
Ayang Kalo has a highly skilled Ayuruveda team that will guide people through the necessary steps to get the most out of the wellness centre. The Ayang Kalo wellness centre provides a range of services involving treatments, herbal beverages, and more in the future.
Pix by Ruwan Walpola