EDB to stamp Brand Sri Lanka on global batik map

The Export Development Board (EDB) has stepped up efforts to stamp 'Brand Sri Lanka' in the global batik arena and link with top institutional stakeholders.

Twenty-four leading Lankan SME batik manufacturers displayed their products at a EDB seminar and sample display event at the auditorium of the EDB recently. Batik exporter and artist Erik Sooriyasena, veteran art and batik master craftsman Colvin Settinayake and Director, Selyn Exports, Selyna Peiris were the resource persons.

Representatives of two leading giftware and lifestyle companies explored the possibility of finding high-end markets. The program was the second stage of the batik manufacturers development program.

The first stage of the program (in consultation with National Craft Council, National Environment Authority, NWP and the Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel (SLITA) was held in Kurunegala where over 75 batik manufacturers took part.

The essentials for high-end markets such as design, neatness of waxing, clarity of colours, were presented by the resource persons followed by a question and answer session.

Over 325 Lankan batik makers and firms are registered with the government. It is believed that with number of unregistered batik makers, the industry base is much larger with a reported 200,000 workforce, mostly female, engaged in it.

The event also picked 10-15 beneficiaries for the third stage ie design development program which will be implemented in the near future. Batik exporter, Erik Sooriyasena said, "With today's initiative, we begin a long process of linking Lankan batiks with the global market."

Actg. Director General of the EDB, Himali Jinadasa also spoke.

Indonesia is today recognised as the world's leader in batiks with UNESCO acknowledging Indonesian batiks as a cultural heritage. It is believed that batik was introduced to Sri Lanka by the Dutch colonial masters and was adopted by the women of the Kandyan kingdom, thereby kicking off the batik tradition in Sri Lanka.