Handloom industry revived after many years

by Chanuka Mannapperuma

The handloom textile industry plays a major role in the rural economy. The industry had a rapid growth in 1970. With the introduction of the open economy, the export promotion zone began to flourish with garments, becoming the fastest growing industry.

Explaining the present situation on the handloom industry, Director Department of Textile Industry S. Amarathunga said after a lapse, the industry is returning to normalcy. She said, with the introduction of various foreign textile material, the industry was badly affected.

She said, a good response from customers was recorded through the exhibitions held over the past decade. We have different qualities of materials. Cotton, Polyester cotton, pure silk and normal polyester. To weave a pure high quality saree we need at least a day. If it is normal quality two to three sarees can be woven, she said.

She said, "We have a labour shortage as well". The Department conducts training programs, and workshops to introduce new markets for weavers. Of the 15,000 weavers there are only 12 who export quality items. We should make them to export standard garments because the handloom industry is a major income earner to the country.

The local handloom industry has provided a livelihood to a large number of people in rural areas over the years. The failure to adopt a robust business environment has taken a heavy toll on the local textile industry. She said the Maldives and Europe are the main export countries of handlooms.

During 1970-1974 the government had funded the "Yarn rebate" for weavers to promote a product market. But now the government doesn't do it, because weavers don't get any value from it". Designs, quality and presentations are the most important part of the handlooms sector. In the handlooms industry our competitor is India.

However, handlooms have been considered a traditional industry. Local and foreign buyers of hand-woven textiles have always cherished native designs and embroidery in these products.