Laksala hosts CATS designer awards finalists

Friday, 20 May 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

CATS Designers Circle Chairperson Kumudu Amarasinghe, Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board Director Harsha Wijewardhane, Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board CEO Ali Ahlam Nawaz and Vipula Amarasinghe

The Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board (Laksala) recently hosted the finalists of the CATS Awards 2016 dress designer competition at the Laksala Museum Gallery at Green Path.

Laksala is one of the sponsors of the CATS Awards 2016 a landmark dress designer competition held annually by CATS designers headed by Chairperson Kumudu Amarasinghe. The event has drawn over 800 participants from the industry and universities as well as fashion lovers.

Having recognised the efforts taken by the CATS designer circle to develop talents of young and upcoming fashion designers, Laksala has joined the competition as a sponsor for the second consecutive year.

“The move is in keeping to the key role played by Laksala in fostering small and medium scale entrepreneurs, designers and artists by showcasing their skills and talent through innovative products appealing to international requirements,” Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board/Laksala Director General and CEO Ali Ahlam Nawaz said at the ceremony.

Laksala is the largest, most experienced and only state owned business chain in the gift and souvenir category with 14 well appointed showroom and sales outlets in the country. The corporate image and brand values of Laksala are inter-related since Laksala always strives to delight customers by offering best quality products at an affordable price.

“We have made arrangements to get the award winning designs of CATS 2016 produced through its talented suppliers, adhering to strict quality standards and to showcase those via its showroom network,” Nawaz said.

In the first quarter of 2016, Laksala has recorded positive growth of 13% in sales in comparison to the corresponding period of last year.

Nawaz said that whilst maintaining the vision of Laksala uplifting traditional skills of craftsmanship in rural areas it will also support Sri Lankan urban talent and assists in uplifting their skills.

Pix by Bhanuka Kirinde