Targets US $ 1 b export earning:
Batik industry making strong comeback
Shirajiv Sirimane
The Sri Lankan batik industry is making a strong comeback and is
poised to be a US $ one billion export earning industry in two years.
One of the pioneering legends in the industry, Eric Suriyasena said that
the main reason for business to rebound is the growth in tourism. “With
tourism picking up there is a tendency in sales picking up locally as
well,” he added. He said that currently the trade’s earnings are around
US $ 300 million and the main sales are overseas.
Suriyasena Chairman of Eric Suriyasena Batiks (Pvt.) Ltd, said that
another positive trend is that Batik is once again in fashion and even
the younger generation is keen on it. Even in local and international
beauty pageants batiks have got its due recognism once again.
In addition, unlike two decades ago, today there are many new
designers and this too helps the industry to grow. The industry which
was formerly confined to a few items today has a wide range which
includes household items and bed linen as well giving more choice for
the customer.
Suriyasena said that finding quality fabric which was a problem too
is now being solved with a company based in Ratmalana manufacturing
quality fabrics for the local market.
He said that one of the biggest problems they faced is the low
quality imported finished batik products from neighbouring countries.
“Due to this some Sri Lankans also tend to manufacture low quality
products which is a major threat to the industry. What the government
should do is to increase the duty on imported batiks which would
safeguard the local industry,” he added.
A leading exporter of batik art and batik garments, Suriyasena has
showcased his artwork in such countries as Sweden, Norway, Australia,
USA, Austria, Germany, Canada, Italy, and the United Kingdom. “I am
hoping to have another international show in Sweden this year,” he said.
Eric Suriyasena Batiks has also invested over Rs. 30 million to open
their modern flagship art gallery Marawila that will be opened on
Friday. “This is bound to be a major tourist attraction as there would
be live demonstrations as to how batiks are being created,” he added.
Suriyasena who is also the Chairman of three star plus Goldi Sands
Negombo said that over 350 are employed with Suriyasena Batiks.
A unique aspect of Eric Suriyasena’s work is the full spectrum of
colours used in his artwork. All the final pieces have been boiled out
at least minimum four times and usually many more times. Each time the
wax is boiled out, he introduces a new primary colour and with
overlaying of colours is able to achieve the entire colour spectrum in
each piece.
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