EDB targets $2.24 m in handloom exports by 2015

"I commend the Handloom Task Force for having achieved multiple targets, expanding the much needed private sector involvement, in just one year of operation, spending less than $70,000," said Minister of Industry and Commerce, Rishad Bathiudeen, at the progress-review meeting of the National Handloom Task Force at the ministry recently.

"Sri Lanka's apparel sector has improved from its humble origins to the ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) stage and is striving to stamp its seal as an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) supplier to the world market," a ministry spokesman said.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's handloom sector, with its historic roots and estimated $ 13 m annual output, started undergoing structural change with the setting up of the Textile Task Force by Ministry of Industry and Commerce in January 2012.

The Task Force aims at reviving the sector with public-private partnership, upgrade it to ODM levels (medium to long term) and promote the Ceylon Handlooms global brand. The Sri Lanka Export Development Board, under Ministry of Industry and Commerce, has set an ambitious handloom export target of $2.24 m by 2015.

In 2011, Lankan woven fabric exports (including handlooms) stood at $98.18 m. The progress-review was attended by top officials and stakeholders including Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Commerce Anura Siriwardene, Chairman and CEO, Laksala, Anil Koswatta, observer-invitee German design consultant Peter Katz, Lankan-born, German-based Ceylon Handloom promoter Hema Steinfatt, Acting Chairman EDB, Yousuf Maraikkar, ministerial and regional textile directors and advisors, EDB officials and university academia. "Among the 2012 targets achieved were the setting up of two handloom service centres in the North Western and the Eastern Provinces, mini-exhibitions in nine provinces, marketing of products through Laksala sales outlets benefitting 50 entrepreneurs while another 50 entrepreneurs benefitting through support given to retail chains to commence weaving units and a survey of handloom use by the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) functioning under Ministry of Industry and Commerce."

The annual Ran Salu Exhibition and Fashion Show organised by the Ministry was broadened in 2012 to include apparel and handicrafts.

"A handloom industry data collection mechanism is in operation. More than 530 weavers and 250 other trainees were upgraded by various training and development efforts in 2012 under the new initiatives," he said.

"A total of 2.95 m kilograms of yarn was imported to Sri Lanka in 2012, of which 85 percent was bought by the private sector, the weaver cooperatives and Provincial Councils picking up the rest."

"A survey conducted in December 2012 by NEDA on Lanka's handloom usage with a 515 respondent-sample revealed that Sri Lankan handlooms are more popular among the younger generation, with females under 30 being the sector's biggest patrons. More than 50 percent of handloom use is centred on women's garments rather than gents items or decoration material such as curtains. And a remarkable percentage of Lankan users wear handlooms for 'special occasions'," the spokesman said.