New tapestry of life for tsunami-hit beeralu weavers

Anushka Nanayakkara

Old and young women dressed in hand woven kambayas (traditional longsleeve blouses) meticulously but briskly moving the loom to weave the spectacular, authentic beeralu lace, table mats and other beeralu-based products to bring about the Southern flavour.

At the end of the day patience of the Mirissa beeralu women is rewarded as the South Asia Partnership Sri Lanka and HSBC extended a helping hand to shatter the misery that the tsunami brought upon them by enabling to stand on their own feet.

These women have suffered for years, even having inborn talents. They said, in the beginning the beeralu work brought them only stress. But today, it has added joy to their work and they are being paid double the amount they were paid earlier.

"With this type of living even the family members can join them as Beeralu work does not have age barriers. It only needs efficiency and creativity," they said. With the right backing Mirissa women are willing to polish up the finish of the product and to build a stable market for Beeralu locally and internationally.

HSBC and South Asia Partnership Sri Lanka have endeavoured to encourage the tsunami affected Beeralu community of Mirissa, in Matara district strengthening and providing a focused approach to promote the virtues of the Sri Lankan Beeralu lace artistry.

The move provides the route for a lucrative income source to the artisans and renews the interest to work in the industry with generations to come.

They have organised 'Paramparawen', an event that showcases lace work of the tsunami-affected 'Beeralu' community of Mirissa. This event will be held at the main ballroom of Galle Face Hotel on November 25 from 09.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.

It will take the form of an exhibition, beeralu-based fashion show, and mask dancing bringing the ambience of the South of Sri Lanka. First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa will be the Chief Guest.

This is a positive step to motivate and uplift the earning capacity of women engaged in this artistry with the old craft and intricate skill. Chairman of South Asia Partnership Lakshman Hettiarachi said the entire process was a challenge, to inspire and motivate the community and most of all to build confidence into trying out something new. Although the beginning was tough, now it gives the brighter side of the process, he added.

He said they would maintain quality, innovation and technology. He made an open invitation to all, to have a look at the exhibition and to come up with positive solutions to build an international market for 'Beeralu' products. In the end the objective is empowering women.

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Autumn Surprises for a cause

Ruwini Jayawardana

GLAMOUR: Women, of all age groups of different tastes were present at the Jubilee Hall, Colombo on November 10 at the grand sale titled "Autumn Surprises 2006". Garments for the young, saris for the glamorous, kurtis, pants, and blouses for the trendy, skin care products, sweetmeats, and breath taking jewellery, made up the 27 stalls.

There was also a raffle draw with the first prize being a trip to Singapore and a special lucky dip. Prizes and surprises were frequent. But all these were for a worthy cause. The SLWC had organized the sale in order to raise much needed funds for its activities. Such projects include English classes for the poor in the Slave Island, computer classes and a health programme.

The SLWC is one of the oldest women's organisations in the island. It is a forum for over 40 women's service institutes and an umbrella organisation with over 104 affiliates islandwide.

"A lot of women are in need of aid today. I believe that events like these would give them opportunities to step forward to voice their ideas. I have a very positive approach towards such events," said Apsari Tillakaratna, chief guest for the event and wife of internationally acclaimed cricketer, Hashan Tillakaratna.

Induleka Karunarathne, special guest and the senior consultant attached to the Wealth Management Co-operation commented that this sort of procedure is very appropriate for the development of women and children.

"There are a lot of issues that need to be addressed and I believe that this fund raiser goes a long way towards addressing those issues," she said. Well-known poetess and author, Vinitha Karunaratne, guest of honour, said she got the opportunity to attend the occasion by chance. "I would like to emphasise that firstly, all women should organise themselves at home.

Peace and harmony is essential in the household. Women must fight against the problems erupting at home. Then they would be able to step out into society as well organised persons and tackle problems in the outer world," she pointed out.

The SLWC has plans for the World Anti-Corruption Week.

"We are hoping to make this the beginning of a series of awareness meetings to eradicate corruption in our country, where our affiliated member organisations will continue the programme to spread the message," the organisation's Vice President Ranee Ratnayake said.

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Hilda and Nelum shine with Candle's Glow

Aditha Dissanayake

The Kiss of the Sun for Pardon
The Song of the Birds for Mirth
You Are Nearer God's Heart in
a Garden
Than Anywhere Else on Earth

This verse, written on a weather beaten plaque, with the paint peeling off, nestling among lush greenery meets the eye as you enter the abode of Hilda Herat quite content that you have stepped into a miniature version of the Garden of Eden.

Stepping into the house you find yourself assailed by the appetizing aroma of sponge cake. Today seems to be baking day. You are lucky. No, not quite. "The cake got burnt". Exclaims Hilda. "I can't believe how it happened" Unable to explain this mystery she shakes her head and throws her hands up in the air in dismay. Then her face breaks into a smile and she hurries inside saying "Its not all that bad.

You must have a piece while its fresh and I will get Nanda to make you a cup of tea, I'm sure you prefer tea...."

Left alone, you begin to explore. Laid on every flat surface of the sitting room are Hilda's creations, artifacts she would be displaying at the exhibition "Candle's Glow" held on November 18 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Girl Guides Association.

Explaining that her skills might have been transmitted from one generation to another Hilda says she must have inherited her talents from her mother. Beautiful and potent, the range of aesthetically designed cushion covers she has created are skilfully set in uncommon designs and hues. Synonymous with comfort and elegance, they are bound to become an exquisite component of any household.

Hilda also shows a remarkable talent in creating wall-hangings, table mats, napkin rings, greeting cards and cloth hold-alls, all of which in their softly translucent shades display a distinctive style probably found nowhere else in the world. "And the wonder of it is I have done them all on my own".

She says with her eyes widening in wonder.

In harmony with Hilda's creations are the Shadow Work saris, blouses and Kurthas of Nelum Munasinghe. Drawing inspiration from nature, symbols or various floral and geometric patterns displaying a rich colour spectrum and exquisite workmanship, the saris created by Nelum are bound to make fascinating and alluring drapes that define the elegance and poise of the wearer.

They are evidence that, no ensemble has been able to match the grace and glory of embroidered saris making them the most sought after apparel since time immemorial.

Talking about the scheduled exhibition Nelum says all participants are women who have used their spare time to create the artifacts. The exclusive crafts created by Hilda, Nelum, Kamini Jayasekara, Jenny Walpola, Daphne Bandara, Franky and Sherine Munasinghe are special as they have the ability to completely integrate into the daily lives of all who wish to add a little colour to their homes.

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Problems of the Thyroid Gland: The Overactive Thyroid

Anushka Nanayakkara

Consultant Physician and Senior Lecturer in Medicine Dr. Senaka Rajapakse talks about overactive thyroid a common condition related to thyroid among women.

This week's article is a continuation from last week, mainly focusing on the treatment.

How is hyperthyroidism treated?

The main aim of treatment is to reduce the level of thyroxin to normal. Other problems such as a large goitre (thyroid swelling) or associated eye problems may also need treatment. Factors such as the underlying cause of the problem, your age, and the size of any goitre are taken into account to decide on the best treatment plan. Treatment options include the following.

Medicines: Usually a drug called Carbimazole. This drug blocks the production of thyroxin. The dose varies from person to person. It is usually taken for about 18 months, and in some patients can be stopped after this. The condition can flare up again however, and may need treatment again.

Carbimazole usually takes a few weeks to become fully effective, and drugs called beta blockers are sometimes used for some time at the start to control the symptoms.

Radio-iodine: This involves taking a drink, or swallowing a capsule, which contains radioactive iodine.

The main use of iodine in the body is to make thyroxin. Therefore, the radioactive iodine builds up in the thyroid gland. As the radioactivity is concentrated in the thyroid gland, it destroys some thyroid tissues, which reduces the amount of thyroxin that you make. The dose of radioactivity to the rest of the body is very low and is not dangerous.

Surgery: If the patient has a large goiter then an operation to remove the thyroid gland can be performed and this will control hyperthyroidism.

Will the eye problems recover when hyperthyroidism is treated?

Not necessarily. In fact sometimes eye problems get worse after treatment.

Can complications be prevented by treatment?

Yes, with proper treatment most complications can be prevented. However regular checks are recommended, even after you finish a successful treatment.