Sri Lanka's Apex Organisation for Export Promotion
Just as the US demand for Lankan handlooms surged, an international design expert called on 30 June the country to further strengthen its design and promotion capacities-and Sri Lanka’s handloom designs continue to have a special identity.
“Sri Lanka has been known for its handloom textiles. Sri Lanka, rather than moving into fast fashion handloom cycles, can elevate its special handlooms brand by building competence and international promotion efforts” said Jennifer Shellard (Visiting Lecturer, Woven Textile Department of London’s University of Creative Arts) on 30 June in Colombo.
A programme on ‘Design Development for Sri Lanka’s Handlooms’ will take place at the Export Development Board auditorium today, June 30 at 9.30am.
It will be inaugurated by International Design Expert Ms Jennifer Shellard of the United Kingdom.
Sri Lanka's handloom textile industry is centuries old, the 6th century BC according to Mahavansa, when Prince Vijaya from India landed at Manthota (Mannar) in Sri Lanka. History records that when he found Kuveni, whom he eventually married, she was spinning yarn. And that tradition continues to the present era as weaving handloom textiles.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board is making arrangements to organize a Design Development Programme for the Handloom Industry of Sri Lanka, obtaining the service of an International Design Expert
The objective is to enhance the design capabilities of a selected group of handloom manufactures and for exporters to upgrade their design capabilities and develop their products targeting the International Market. The programme is scheduled to be held during June 30 to July 17, 2014 at the SLEDB Auditorium.
