Wonders with clay

by Lakmal Welabada

The demand for clay work does not seem to wane. Be it a mansion or a mud hut, you will never fail to find an earthenware cooking appliance or decorative article.

But, the price that we have to pay for the clay items tend to go up each day. The permit imposed on the clay suppliers would directly cause a rise in the cost of clay than before.

Bandarawatta - Biyagama has been famous for the clay industry in the past. Many generations who hail from clay workers of the ancient Kings' time have been living there using 'clay' to eke out a living. At present there are about 170 families living in this area whose main income is still based on clay.

Generally, clay is dug from the marshy lands around Kelaniya. The permit that is issued to clay suppliers has jacked up the cost of clay to double, in the market. The tractor of clay for which the clay artisans paid Rs,7500 earlier has risen up to Rs. 15,000.

"We have had a considerable amount of income earlier, and that's why this industry is still alive and flourishing. Generation after generation have been taking this up as their main living. We mainly cater to our local market. But with the present circumstances things may change in the future," warns an old clay craftsman.