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| Sunday, 15 February 2004 |
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Why our handloom industry has slumped by CHANUKA MANNAPPERUMA Lack of skilful and experienced designers has greatly affected the handloom industry which had helped to create thousands of employment opportunities at rural level. Despite challenges due to globalisation and the country's open economic policy, the local handloom industry has been able to survive the test of time but is still struggling to recover from the slump it had experienced over the last two decades. "One of the basic problems faced by the industry today is the shortage of quality designers" and quality of weaving items, said Director Department of Textile Industry, Vinitha Senaviratna. However the handloom industry has been able to survive and provide jobs for over 75% rural folk over the years. "Handloom products are sold in many parts of the country, but the failure of the industry to adapt itself to dynamic economies in the world and robust national business environment has severely hit the local textile industry," she said. "During 1970-1974, the then government had introduced a "yarn rebate" for weavers to promote productivity, but this assistance is denied to them now. At present, there are about 700 handloom centres comprising 7000 machines of which 3000 are defunct."This is indeed a good and viable industry and, anyone who wishes to embark on it, should gain a first hand knowledge and weaving background before venturing into this profitable trade". "Several handloom weavers continue their business activities with economic hardships. According to Senaviratna, Sri Lanka had exported Rs. 120 million worth of handloom products during the last year with Maldives and European countries being the main buyers. The hotel sector is also among the main buyers of handloom products. There is a big export demand for our products but we are not in a position to fulfil that demand. Our main suppliers to the export market are barefoot, Selling Export Kurunegala, Asia Fabric andKandygs. "Our main export items are soft toys, kitchen items, curtains, carpets, light items and tableware etc. Both local and foreign buyers of hand woven textiles have always cherished our native designs and embroidery in these products. "India is our main competitor and, to meet the challenge and compete with them, we have to improve the quality of designs, material quality and presentation," she said. Referring to future plans, designers and master weavers from foreign countries would be made available to train our local personnel engaged in the industry and upgrade the quality of our products. |
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