Aussies keen on Lankan handlooms

Sri Lanka's handloom sector holds strong promise.

In the aftermath of tourism boom, our handlooms too have begun to surge.

"Any future support from Australia to introduce Private Public Partnership model to our handloom will be most welcome" said Minister of Industry and Commerce sources said.

He said: "We have now set up a national level, high priority task force on handlooms which will spearhead the new handlooms roadmap of the country.

The demand for Sri Lanka handlooms has been steadily growing in both local and international segments.

Sri Lanka's booming tourism has become a key driver in the handloom surge.

We are now preparing to upgrade the sector with product diversification, new training, design development, and marketing.

We are planning to establish District level handloom centres under private sector management.

With the Australian government's support, we can infuse the Private Public Partnership model in this sector.

"Sri Lanka is thankful for the support extended by Australia and AusAid to 3,785 returnee families to reconstruct or repair their damaged houses in the districts of Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Killinochchi under the 'Shelter Support to Conflict Affected IDPs in Northern Sri Lanka' Project" he said.

Currently, Sri Lanka handlooms, in addition to the domestic market, are readily absorbed by Italy, Maldives, Germany, France, United Kingdom,

Thailand, Netherlands and Norway.