Shilpa 2008, a boon to local craftsmen

by Surekha GALAGODA

[email protected]
 

Premasiri Ranaweera

D. S. Iranganie

Sunil Ratnayaka

K.G.E. Jayalal

Aijth Dasanayaka

Shilpa 2008, the National exhibition of Handicrafts and Rural Industries and Trade Fair organised by the Ministry of Rural Industries and Self-Employment Promotion in collaboration with the National Crafts Council, IDB, National Design centre, Janakala Kendraya and the Laksala concluded on Wednesday at the BMICH.

The exhibition had more than 200 stalls ranging from food, clothes, household and office furniture, home appliances, decorative items and traditional crafts.

In addition, a seminar themed Yovun Dethata Diriyak organised by the National Design Centre was held to give an exposure to the young talented craftsmen.

Proprietor of the Uva Bee honey Industry, Sunil Prasantha Ratnayaka said that the only drawback to exporting their products is the low quantities and the only solution to this problem is to train more farmers.

He said that if a person is willing to take up to rearing of bees he would give a two-day training and provide the equipment free. "In addition I will also sign a forward sales contract to purchase the honey. He started with 25 farmers and has increased it to 10,800 farmers who provide the honey to him.

Among his future plans are increasing the number of farmers, products as well as exports. Already I am having discussions with IFED to start a nursery by 2010.

Chakra (Pvt) Ltd Manufacturers and Converters of handmade recycled paper was set up in 1999 at Pannala in Kurunegala.

The paper is purchased from printing presses and suppliers while schools also give their waste paper. Lamps are our signature products while the company also turns out cake boxes, cards, books, labels, bags, folders, albums, stationery and a host of other products. The company also produces corporate gifts and eco tourism products. All products confirm to all ethical standards, said the spokesman.

Exclusive furniture

Premasiri Ranaweera, the owner of Tharanga Furniture, Buttala is keen on manufacturing exclusive furniture. He displayed a bed with four drawers which are secure where a customer can protect the valuables from burglars. He had used 14 types of wood.

"I can create according to any design and I am confident that I can meet the expectations of the customer, said Ranaweera. All the items displayed at his stall are hand made exclusive items.

Chairman and Managing Director of Rashika Trading (Pvt) Ltd, Kandy, K.G.E. Jayalal sells more than 115 food products and has provided employment to more than 120.

He is a very hard working person who started at the age of 16 in 1984 by selling Maldive fish. He had taken it in a cardboard box on his head. The initial investment was Rs. 150. Within one year he purchased a bicycle. "I have only one photograph as proof of my success as I could not afford to spend Rs 20 on a photograph", said Jayalal.

In 1990 he had purchased a lorry and today he is the proud owner of eight vehicles.He distributes his products in all districts except for the south and western provinces.

Lacks finance

Ajith Dasanayaka, a sailor by profession is today the owner of Radha Lanka Food Products Sri Lanka based in Mahawa. He makes cakes, sweets, bread and buns using indigenous medicines and 28 local pulses and natural ingredients such as garlic, red rice, ash plantains, jak seeds and a host of other ingredients. He sells a loaf of bread at Rs. 20 and it does not contain yeast or margarine.

He said that he started the business five years ago but he is unable to develop and expand it any more as he doesn't have the required finances.

Asurumuni Chandana Pasanjith, Proprietor of Chanyo Technics Lanka Matugama started making power guards in 1999. Now he has developed a power guard which will protect an entire building. It will reduce the cost as only one unit has to be installed while we give a four-year warranty, he said. He assured that it can withstand thunder and light ning and before fixing a unit we check the wiring to ensure that everything is in order.

D. S. Iranganie of Moneragala manufactures lime and other fruits drinks including sauce and chutney. She produces about 300 bottles per day and if the order is more she employs people from outside while on other days the whole family is involved in the business.

Golf Fertiliser or Gold Organic Lanka fertiliser is manufactured using liquid milk and they have a range of insecticides and pesticides which can be used on a big plot of land or on plants which are grown in pots - be it vegetables or fruits.

Most of the stall holders said that the organisers have taken great efforts but since it started on a Sunday there weren't much sales.

But for most stall holders it was a good exposure as they know what the market is all about in the city.