Value addition to handloom industry vital

The Ministry of Textile Industry Development and Department of Textiles will hold the 'Ransalu' national handloom textile exhibition from December 19 to 21 at the BMICH.

The handloom textile industry has a long history and it is one of the main industries in the country where rural women are employed.

The importance of developing the industry as a potential export market for handloom fabrics and creating employment opportunities is prioritised in the Mahinda Chintana.

Acting Secretary, Ministry of Textile Development and Department of Textiles, W. D. Jayasinghe said the handloom textile industry needs to go beyond manufacturing to an industry level. If the handloom industry is to bloom value addition to products is vital to capture the international markets which is highly competitive.

Today there is severe competition from neighbouring countries who have come up with their own products with elegant designs.

What is lacking in our products is the traditional touch which most other countries portray. India will never produce anything outside its culture and traditions. Our textiles do not have any link to our traditions, Jayasinghe said.

The exhibition is held annually to highlight the importance of our traditional textiles and the contribution the handloom textile industry could make towards achieving that goal. The other objectives of the handloom textile exhibition are to promote handloom products locally and abroad, recognise the talents of those in the industry, to bring the manufacturer and consumer together and make the industry viable.

The Ministry had undertaken various initiatives to introduce new design, and products without which there cannot be a sustainable market for the industry. Awards will be presented to the best handloom textile products.

The handloom and textile exhibition has been held since 1991 and this year's theme is 'towards an appreciation of the handloom textile industry in Sri Lanka'.