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| Sunday, 10 October 2004 |
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Business |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Cane craft industry in dire straits by Chanuka Mannapperuma and Gamini Warushamana The once lucrative cane craft industry in the country is in dire straits today due to lack of raw materials and low demand.
The demand for cane furniture is decreasing due to plastic and other cheap substitutes entering the market and this has affected thousands of families who depend on the cane industry for their livelihood. While trendy cane furniture has potential markets both in Sri Lanka and abroad as well and can fetch high prices the traditional cane weavers in Sri Lanka are facing a crisis due to lack of assistance from the government and the export sector enterprises, cane furniture manufacturers in Weveldeniya, said. Priyantha Wickramasuriya owner of 'Ape Kade' in Weveldeniya said, all cane weavers are hit mainly due to the lack of raw materials and infiltration of unscrupulous middlemen who control the cane and sell it to us at exorbitant prices.In Sri Lanka we have only naturally grown cane, but there is no cane cultivation to cater to the demand of the industry. He said that as cane is not grown close to his area,they have to depend on the supply which comes mainly from areas such as Ampara,Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa. The varieties that are used for making cane furniture are "ma wevel and kukul wevel." Some rich businessmen import cane from Malaysia and Singapore,but locally-grown cane is sturdy and has a better finish. There are about 100 shops in Weveldeniya along the Colombo Kandy road selling chairs, tables, settees, book racks, bags, hats, vases and mirror cases made of cane while some other handicrafts, made of 'palmyrah leaf' are also on sale. Other products such as table mats,letter holders, hats from weavers who make it at their own homes are also available. Around 1000 people are engaged in the cane industry in Weveldeniya while we have been able to provide self employment to some women by purchasing their products made of palmyrah' Wickramasuriya said. "At most times we do not earn enough profit from our products,. but the customers are always bargaining. In some instances we sell the products at cost, " he said. While the cost of cane and other raw material prices are increasing daily, the price of cane furniture and products are declining or remaining at the same level for several years due to these reasons. Wickramasuriya said the industry has not even thought of the existing potential in the export market. The manufacturers in Weveldeniya said that they have skills to produce any design given to them and are willing to accept any challenge if the authorities help them to enter into the export market. They requested the government to allocate stalls at international trade fairs like "Expo" free of charge to showcase their products to the world. They are struggling to protect their traditional industries. "The producers urge the government and private sector exporters to solve the raw material problem and promote their products in the international market and live in hope and expectation that the minister of Rural Industries will get involved and solve their problems soon so that they can enter the export market and earn the much needed foreign exchange for the country while providing employment to talented youth to enjoy a better future. |
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