Laksala to be given facelift

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

The Laksala craft emporium will be given a facelift to meet the modern day customer demand with an enhanced product range.

"We will introduce an improved range of products for the customers preserving the traditional values and incorporating changing needs of today's customers. Laksala will be positioned as a main tourist attraction in keeping with its expansion plan, Laksala Chairman Prasad Galhena told Daily News Business.

The increased tourist arrivals to the country have benefited the local craftsmen immensely and they will be directed to produce customized products to reflect the country's image. They will also be encouraged to produce souvenirs of important places as a marketing mechanism used in other countries, he said.

Laksala is planning a branch expansion to set up outlets in the zoo, Pinnawala and also in the North and the East. A branch will be set up at the Museum shortly.

It has 20 branches at present and there will be a service upgrade in these branches to become more customer-friendly and a viable venture.

The recently set up Laksala Engineering Division is offering comprehensive interior solutions to the customers and there is a high demand for its services which include carpeting, wiring, ceiling and data cabling.

Laksala will expand its scope by providing integrated services such as jewellery repairs and picture framing.

It recently opened two food outlets for the convenience of the customers in Colombo. It plans to open workshops in outlets displaying product-making as an added feature for the customers.

Laksala is in the process of providing yarn for the handloom industry through its recently acquired Lanka Fabrics as the initial stage. It will provide looms for the weavers as the second stage of the process to ensure they are ready with the production by March where there is a high demand for handloom products.

Laksala is on the path of profitability and will strive to maintain a high level of customer service and quality of products, Galhena said.