Beeralu industry in crisis

Raja Waidyasekera Tissamaharama special corr.

The Beeralu lace industry in Hambantota district is in doldrums.

The Beeralu lace industry that flourished in Galle, Matara and Hambantota districts, since the Portuguese era, is now facing a severe crisis.

That was a cottage industry that brought a regular income for housewives. Magalle in Galle was a popular place where Beeralu lace industry flourished since the Portuguese era.

This industry has a history that dates back to 395 years, historians say.

The market for the Beeralu lace shattered as a result of slackening tourist arrivals and the tsunami disaster. Now there is a scarcity of high quality thread and the prices of thread have sky-rocketed during the recent past.

It is said that there is a great demand for Beeralu lace in Belgium and the products in their country are being sold as those manufactured in Sri Lanka because Lanka Beeralu lace is better in quality.