Indian saree, textile design course begins for first time in Sri Lanka

Liya Abiman Organisation chairperson Pushpa Rajapaksa participates in the inauguration of the course on turning out Indian sarees and designing textiles which commenced for the first time in Sri Lanka

The course on turning out Indian sarees and designing textiles commenced for the first time in Sri Lanka at the Liya Abiman Textile Design and Technology Centre in Gampaha under the patronage of Liya Abiman Organisation chairperson Pushpa Rajapaksa.

Sarees and textiles designed in Indian style are imported from Thailand and India while work in this regard is carried out as a cottage industry in Chennai and Baranas.

Pushpa Rajapaksa said the course costs around Rs 100,000 while Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa instructed to offer this course free of charge to women in Gampaha district. "The objective of commencing this course is to provide training to design Indian sarees and textile for Sri Lankan women," she said.

Pushpa Rajapaksa said women who follow this course, will be provided facilities to start their own business.

"Discussions with banks have already been held. Minister Basil Rajapaksa instructed to provide assistance under the Divi Naguma programme for those willing to start it as a self - employment venture," she said.

Course instructor Ishara Harischandra was also present.