Chinese envoy praises Sri Lankan effort to boost handlooms

18 Apr '13

2 min read

China’s Ambassador in Sri Lanka Wu Jianghao has praised Sri Lanka’s Economic Development Ministry’s efforts to boost the handloom textile sector of the country and improve the living conditions of weavers in the sector, particularly in Upper Madampella in Divulapitiya in Gampha district of Sri Lanka's Western province.

Mr. Wu was speaking during a ceremony held to distribute handlooms to 57 weavers, who underwent training at Upper Madampella Liya Abhiman Handloom Textile Designing Development and Service Centre.

The funds for procuring handlooms that were distributed among the second batch of weavers who received training at the centre were provided by the Chinese Government.

The first batch comprised of 65 trainees, who received handlooms and other facilities last December and are now successfully engaged in their trade. The third batch of trainees was also announced at the event, which was chaired by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa.

In view of several problems that traditional handloom textile weavers in Upper Madampella faced earlier, the special weavers’ training programme was initiated by Mr. Rajapaksa, in association with the Liya Abhiman organization to encourage these weavers to develop the industry.

The Liya Abhiman Handloom Textile Designing Development and Service Centre was established to upgrade the knowledge of handloom textile weavers about new designs and technologies.

The Ministry extended funds to Liya Abhiman Organization to re-built wrecked premises at Ihala Madampalle to start a Centre for training textile weavers on production of high value textiles.

Having its roots in centuries-old Vijaya-Kuveni era, the handloom textile industry of Sri Lanka has been passed on from one generation to another. Weavers engaged in this craft have earned a distinct identity for themselves by transforming traditional woven designs and colour schemes into splendid textile designs.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India