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Sri Lanka makes
exquisite handcrafted products for tourists as well as for export.
At present a large number of craftsmen engaged in the production of
traditional souvenirs & innovative utility items.
Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and skilled craftsmanship passed
down through the ages, have had a great influence on our handicrafts.
Basically the craftsmen mostly use locally available raw materials
such as wood, reed, bamboo, coconut fibre, cane, brass, handloom fabric
for the production of handicrafts. Handicrafts and Giftware products
for export include wooden items such as education toys, utility item
i.e. wooden gift & packaging materials, household accessories
such as chopping boards, knife blocks and bathroom accessories, clay
ornaments such as terra cotta pots & vases and porcelain ornamental
items.
Manufacturers also have the flexibility to adapt to the varying requirements
of buyers and product to suit their requirements. Sri Lankan handicraft
manufacturers have the advantage of servicing a thriving and emerging
tourist market and are therefore exposed to the different requirements
and tastes of a large cross section of buyers from overseas markets.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has carried out Design
Development Programmes, Workshops/Seminars and Overseas market Exposure
programmes for the development of this industry. The craftsmen also
work closely with the government institutions such as National Craft
Council, National Design Center, Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board for the
development of the industry.
Sri Lanka regularly participates in leading international trade fairs
such as the Frankfurt International Trade Fair ‘Ambiente’
and ‘Nuremberg International Toy Fair’ in Germany. Many
buyers visit the Sri Lanka pavilion at these fairs and are impressed
with the product quality & price.
Two craft villages have been set up at the Folk Art Centre, Battaramulla
and Sigiriya Craft Village at Sigiriya – renowned historical
place where many tourists are attracted.
Visitors can buy and see Lanka’s rich array of traditional handicrafts
being displayed at these craft villages in Battaramulla and Sigiriya.
The talented craftsmen produce these items while using the common
facilities available at these centers and market their products at
these villages.
The tourists could see insight the manufacturing process of the handicrafts
and could also have opportunity to purchase items in one place. |
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A wide range of exclusive wooden craft items combine utility and beauty
adding elegance to your lifestyle. Gift boxes, toys, educational items
for Montessori school children, household items, wall hangings, fancy
jewellery, figurines, sculpture, lacquer products, ornamental products
and seasonal decorations are some of the woodcraft items produced
in Sri Lanka.
Handcrafted ceramics include household utility items as well as unique
ornamental collector’s items. Each item is in a class of its
own. Sri Lankan ceramic ware is in great demand in the USA, UK, Austria,
Sweden, Far East and Australia.
Artificial flowers are manufactured for export market. A wide range
of products are being used for home and interior decorative purposes.
Coconut based products blend traditional craftsmanship with modern
artistry – exquisite jewellery boxes, letter openers, sweet
trays, coir mats, vases, ash trays, spoons, masks and coconut husk
carvings.
Exquisite lace and embroidery are turned out in elegant designs. Beautiful
batik items are also available. These are created through a process
of applying wax to hand drawn designs and dying in various colours.
A beautiful array of batiks are produced for personal and household
use.
Sri Lanka’s silverware displays the influence of the country’s
ancient cultural heritage and boasts exquisite craftsmanship. A wide
range of beautiful silverware is available - trays, wall plaques,
gem-studded dressed elephants, cutlery, tea sets, a variety of boxes
and as other ornamental items.
The brassware of Sri Lanka is an exquisite craftsmanship, catering
to a wide variety of consumer tastes. Brassware items available include
brass trays, plaques, candle stands, lamps, flower vases, ash trays
and figurines.
In Sri Lanka, basket ware items are made out of a variety of reed/rush
and bamboo. The products include laundry baskets, handbags, trays,
decorative tablemats, wallets, purses, boxes and a range of other
ornamental and utility items. |
