Laksala to promote & protect Sri Lankan handicrafts

24 Mar '08

2 min read

The Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka [ICTA] in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board, started the Laksala Automation Project to provide an ICT solution to the Laksala Head Office as well as to computerize three of their retail outlets; York Street, Thummulla and Kandy.

iOM Lanka (Pvt) Ltd used their Retailigence software solution to enable Laksala's supplier management, inventory control, distribution management, sales automation, statistical and trend analysis and provide management information reports, all via ICT.

The project was launched by Hon. S.B. Navinna, Minister of Rural Industries and Self Employment Promotion. Meanwhile, Laksala Chairperson, Mrs. Somakumari Tennakoon launched the Laksala website (www.laksala.lk).

Mr. Waruna Dhanapala, Assistant Secretary to the President, Mr. C.P Siriwardena, Secretary, Mr. Wasantha Deshapriya, Director Re-Gov. ICTA and other ICTA officials, iOM Lanka Management, Laksala staff and Handicraft Suppliers were present at the occasion.

The Laksala website has been revamped to enable online sales as well as for rural handicraft suppliers to access their accounts on orders, inventory and payments without having to visit Colombo.

Laksala was selected as one of the projects under ICTA's Re-engineering Government Programme area's eServices initiative on account of its high impact and visibility to both the citizens and businesses.

The objective of Laksala is to promote and protect Sri Lankan handicrafts. Laksala nurtures the Sri Lankan craftsman by providing them opportunities and livelihood by purchasing and selling their items. Laksala also provides design ideas and craftsmen skill improvement ideas via the National Craft Council and National Design Centers. By enabling Laksala to re-engineer their operations and process to be effective and efficient via the use of ICT in this competitive market will enable them to sustain the survival and development of many of the Sri Lankan craftsmen and the art of craft.