Handicrafts of Sri Lanka We are Sri Lankans-a proud race with a claim to a rich heritage, which we inherited from our forefathers. This heritage embraces many spheres and 'handicrafts' is one of them.  Handicrafts, in definition, means crafts requiring the skill of the hand. Most Sri Lankan handicrafts are endemic. This is so because, material used in creating these items are not available everywhere and also because of certain historical reasons. Many areas in the country are popular for handicrafts. One such area which specialises in its own handicrafts is Ambalangoda, situated in the southern part of the country. Ambalangoda is famous for its exquisite masks and puppets. Each one of these items is cleverly carved and decorated with bright colours. Dumbara is yet another area that creates its own special type of handicrafts - mats. These mats called 'kalala' are woven in different patterns using colourful dyes, mostly eye-catching crimson. Some of these gorgeous designs include the handkerchief, deer and spider designs. Kundasale and Pilimathalawe are tremendously popular for their brass work and sliver work. They are greatly admired by many people, especially tourists.However, a majority of these handicraft producers are very poor, despite how hard they work. This is because they market their products to agents at low prices, but the agents export or sell these products at very high prices. In order to solve this problem, the state and responsible people must get involved and prepare a plan which would enable handicraft producers to sell their products at profitable prices. The place they have in society would gradually improve with the increase in their financial status. They would become more interested in their jobs and produce a larger number of handicrafts, which when sold, would in turn help the economy of our little isle grow. Our traditional handicrafts need to be protected and given the necessary backing to be continued for many long years. |
 Coir goods, Dumbara mat, Lacquer ware, Demon masks, Batik, Brass work ,Pottery The Short Description of Handicraft Coir Goods Coir goods Mats and rags made from coconut fiber. One of the famous mats of Sri Lanka is Dumbara mat in Kandy. The kandyan highland is the Center of this highly localized craft. Lacquer ware The boiled down lacquer is applied expertly by Fingernail. The Lacquer ware traditionally obtained from insect resign collected from forest. This range includes walking Sticks, bookends, ash- trays, letter - openers and wooden handles. Demon masks These masks were originally used in demon propitiation and curative rituals. They make Colourful and dramatic décor items and are available in range. Batik Colorful, dramatic fabrics designer garments in a wax resist dyeing technique of Indonesian origin but distinctly Sri Lankan Design. The batik tradition based on the cultural tradition of Sri Lanka. There are vivid colourful batik styles in Sri Lanka. There are Batik cloths scarves, Wall hanging make in the rural areas. The men and women make the batik items in rural area. Brass work Cost or wrought brassware items ornamented with fine carving some of them Include boxes, trays, lamps a des, I amp - stands, hinges, vases, and oil - lamps. Reed, Bamboo, Rush, and rattan ware Bags, baskets, purge, mats, lampshades, tablemats and chairs.
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