Breathing new life into a captivating local industry

Ruwanthi Abeyakoon

CLAY INDUSTRY: The artistic clay pots, garden lamps and vases that enhance the beauty of a place may have enraptured you. Exquisite clay creations have evaded the modern world despite new decorative items flooding the market. Artistic creations are a result of hard work and endless efforts of many hands.

The roots of the clay industry in Sri Lanka run into the times of the kings. History records villages that were specialised in pottery. As time went on the art of pottery faced a drastic decline. Many were not keen on reviving these native work of arts. Realising this a pioneering businessman from Kegalle set out to restore these artistic works while uplifting the living standards of many. The man behind these creations is I. R. A. Chandrasena, the owner of medium scale clay industry in Kegalle.

"I was a Government servant and was working as the Deputy Director Planning. While I was involved in this service I started making clay pots in Molagoda. Now I have been doing this for more than 20 years," Chandrasena reminisced.

During these twenty long years he has earned a name in this field and he supplies pots to many significant areas in the country. "The President's house, Speaker's house, Anuradhapura President's Square, Nuwaraeliya and Hakgala Botanical Gardens are a few of the many places I supply pots with," he said.

"I meet the deadlines and supply the items on time. My customers are satisfied with my service. Most of the products are done out of clay. Cement is also used sometimes," Chandrasena explained.

The creative mind of Chandrasena gives birth to lovely clay vases, pots, garden lamps, clay jugs and landscaping items. " People think that only pots can be made out of clay. You can be innovative in this field. Recently I was placed with an order of clay candle stands. I was given a candle stand made in Thailand and we were able to do the same in clay," he said.

"Workers are hailing from generations and the industry is old still you can be innovative. The designs we do are novel. Even wedding cakes can be given in a clay box. It will be a good souvenir too," Chandrasena added.

Chandrasena's industry, which started in Kegalle, has spread in areas such as Kurunegala, Biyagama and Nungamuwa. The villagers in these areas cannot reach the market to sell their products.

Chandrasena solves this problem by buying their stocks. "Reaching the market was a huge issue for us. Earlier there was a big demand for cribs during Christmas time.

People earned a good income by selling cribs in other districts. But with the present security situation we fail to find the market for production. The Business for Peace Alliance (BPA) helps us to take our products to other districts. All the districts are inter-connected through this Chamber.

I think all the communities should get together in reaching the market and improving this industry," he explained.

This energetic man does not only earn a living through his business but completes the social responsibility by providing jobs to many. "More than hundred people work under me in 'Sampath House' where I run my business. I provide employment for a total of 655 families in Warakapola, Mavanella, Kegalle, Rambukkana, Aranayaka and Galigamuwa divisions. I do not want to gain the profits by myself. I want to share with others. So I help them with loan schemes and advice when needed," he said.

Chandrasena believes that technology can be used to rebuild this local industry. "Infrastructure and raw materials become obstacles for us at times. These issues should not let this industry fail. Instead the younger generation should be encouraged to supply quality production. Lankans have the quality more than other countries and one can easily earn Rs. 30,000 to 35,000 monthly," Chandrasena explained.

He is ambitious to reach the international market with the help of BPA. I have made a project proposal to develop this industry and will work hard towards achieving this goal," Chandrasena said.