Aussies eye Lankan handlooms

Handloom exports valued $ 0.90 million in 2009 rose in 2010 to $ 1.5 million and in January-October 2011, stood at $ 1.17 million, according to the Exports Development Board (EDB) under the Industry and Commerce Ministry.

EDB expects the handloom exports to hit $ 2.24 million in 2015. The handloom textile export target for 2011 set by the EDB under the Industries Ministry is US $ 1.29 million (Rs 146 million). Sri Lanka’s handloom sector is one of the low cost but high earning industries.

Australian Deputy High Commissioner in Colombo Sonya Koppe (left) inspects a Sri Lankan handloom sample displayed by veteran designer Senaka De Silva as Minister Rishad Bathiudeen looks on.

Australian Deputy High Commissioner in Colombo Sonya Koppe, who was making a courtesy call on Minister Rishard Bathiudeen recently said that she shall certainly take the handloom message back. “This appears to be a terrific project.” Sri Lanka’s $ 13 million handlooms industry has seen a sudden resurgence in the aftermath of end of conflict in 2009 and booming tourism numbers. Currently, Sri Lanka handlooms, in addition to the domestic market, are readily absorbed by Italy, the Maldives, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Thailand, the Netherlands and Norway. Its annual production exceeds six million metres of looms with an estimated annual production value of Rs 1,500 million ($ 13.19 million) all of which are absorbed by both local and international demand. The production is labour intensive and the industry consumes less electricity and utilities while generating higher employment.

She also stressed on the longstanding bilateral relations between both countries. Briefing Sonya Koppe on the progress of handloom sector, Minister Bathiudeen said “We have now set up a national level, high priority task force on handlooms which will spearhead the new handlooms roadmap of the country, Minister Bathiudeen said.

“Sri Lanka is thankful for the support extended by Australia and AusAid to 3,785 returnee families to reconstruct or repair their damaged houses in the districts of Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi under the ‘Shelter Support to Conflict Affected IDPs in Northern Sri Lanka’ Project” Minister Bathiudeen said.

At present, there are 511 weaving centres with 2,971 weavers and more than 10,000 looms in Sri Lanka assisted by 22 dying houses. More than 10,000 personnel are engaged in the handloom industry. According to NEDA, there are 919 private sector handloom operators of which 536 are based in the East, operating 2,454 looms. In the cooperative sector, 925 handlooms in 110 centres and under the Provincial Councils are 5,169 handlooms in 511 centres.