“Sri Lanka’s handloom industry formally had 200,000 people but today this has reduced to 10000” said Minister of Industry and Commerce RishadBathiudeen in Colombo addressing the national handloom exhibition Ransalu at BMICH.

The cottage level industry produces export quality designs and material. A great number of producers are of small and micro level.  The leading province in handloom production is the Western Province followed by the Eastern province and the Central province.

 
“ To develop this sector back to its former levels, my Ministry has set up a Handlooms Industry Taskforce which is focusing on tourism as well. Our tourism sector opens new doors to this industry” said Minister Bathiudeen, and added: “Tourist arrivals are increasing and we are expecting more than three million tourists by 2020. The government has formulated new infrastructure development plans for tourism. My Ministry’s Textile Department, National Design Centre, National Crafts Council with Moratuwa University are formulating a new plan involving provincial level handlooms to link them to surging tourism so that in the next three years, this industry is expected to grow up to 50000 personnel from the present 10000. I also cleared purchase payment backlogs of Laksala shops under this Ministry and Laksala is now ready to purchase your handlooms without any payment delays.”
 

Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board popularly known as “Laksala” under Ministry of Industry and Commerce promotes the sale of local handicrafts, gifts and souvenirs through their showrooms island–wide and provides essential market linkages to traditional craftsmen. As of Jan-September 2016 Laksala revenues totalled Rs 711 Mn (against Rs 696 Mn in Jan-Sept 2015).