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| Sunday, 28 November 2004 |
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Business |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Not only feet of clay! by Chanuka Mannapperuma The clay industry which was once a lucrative local industry is now in dire straits mainly due to lack of modern technology,specially in the process of purifying of clay. Besides that the demand for clay products has also dropped due to alternatives such as plastics, glass and other cheap imported substitutes which have invaded the local market. This has affected the livelihood of many families who depend solely on the clay industry for their daily income.
The traditional clay product producers in Sri Lanka are facing another crisis due to lack of assistance from the government and the export sector enterprises, Kumara who has been engaged in the industry for a long period told the 'Sunday Observer'. He said "We have a potential market both in Sri Lanka and abroad.But we are not in a position to cater to the demand." The clay industry provides self employment for people in the Mudumawatte village in Molagoda. They have been engaged in the clay industry for a long period. About 70 families depend on this industry. There are about 100 shops along the Colombo-Kandy road in which clay products are sold. "Our main products are vases, pottery sets,tea sets and flower pots" clay-shop owner Asanka said. The necessary clay is brought from Kelaniya, Biyagama, Kurunegala, Devalegama and Polgahawela to Molagoda."We are also getting the support and instructions from the design centre at Ratmalana to make different items," she added. "Tourist season they are the main customers. Normally we have a good market and good demand.Sometimes we do get large orders from our local customers. But now the situation has changed" Asanka said. Another problem faced by those engaged in the clay industry is the huge cost of cleaning of clay to make it suitable for their manufacturing process.
"We are purchasing a lorry of clay at Rs.5000.We have to spend Rs 5.00 to purify each clay piece (12 inches in length-5 inches in width piece). In this manner, we are able to cleanse the clay and finally purifying will cost more than a clay lorry. If any responsible person can provide a cleaning machine, it will be a valuable help for us," said a clay producer, Karunawathi. "Clay is a natural resource, but we do not get the maximum use from it" said Karunarathna a young producer of clay products. "Still we are using the Sakaporuwa to make clay products. At most times we do not earn enough profits from our products. In some instances we sell the products at cost price," he said. He was of the view that if the Government, State institutions or anyone who is interested in this industry comes forward to give them necessary funds, advice, machines and new technology, this industry could be developed. "We are confident that this industry could be well developed to meet the challenges in the international market if necessary facilities and technology are provided," he added. Karunaratna said that they have skills to produce and designs any items and are willing to accept any challenge from any where as they are struggling to protect their traditional industry. |
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