Lanka has much potential in souvenir market

By Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

Sri Lanka is ready to cater to the anticipated influx of tourists and sees huge potential in the gifts and souvenir market.

Anil Koswatte

“Our country is ready to welcome the increased number of tourists which is expected to drive rural economic growth substantially. In the backdrop of the influx, we at Laksala will take steps to ensure home-based craft and rush and reed industry development,” Laksala, the premier state gift and souvenir boutique, Chairman, Anil Koswatte told Sunday Observer Business.

The targeted number of tourist arrivals will be surpassed before the time frame and related integrated services and products will also be ready to receive the tourists. The capacity building projects and skills development are in place where Laksala emphasis is on next generation craftsmanship, he said. “Considering a similar situation in Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam where 22 million, 23 million and 12 million tourist arrivals were recorded, Sri Lanka could benefit by tying up with theses countries to promote our country.

Our tourism industry could benefit immensely if we could attract 10 percent of the arrivals with this strategy,” Koswatte said.

“We need to promote the country as a peaceful destination and tourism industry benefits to trickle down to the rural masses. Our strategy is to facilitate traditional craftsmen by supporting product development and providing market opportunities. The lifestyle of today’s craftsmen is upgraded through regular income increases by Laksala and there are 7,000 registered suppliers,” he said.

Laksala will increase the registered craftsmen to 15,000 within the next three years.

The income of this SME sector is increasing as the demand for their products is improving. Generating self-employment and connecting them to main stream economic activities are necessary.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa is keen to develop the crafts and rush and reed industry under the Divi Neguma initiative which benefits the industrialists, Koswatte said.