An unique exhibition of products made with handloom woven bamboo fabrics was opened by the Minister of Economic Development, Basil Rajapakse, at the Kandygs Thirasara Island last week. The exhibition was open to the public on December 23 and 24.
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| At the exhibition. Pic by Amila Prabodha |
Organisers said this exhibition featured the work of rural weavers from the village of Ihala madampalla in Divulapitiya. Handloom weaving in this village was revived through a pilot project initiated by Kandygs who provided the bamboo yarn as well as guidance in weaving with bamboo, contemporary design, and working with colour. The Ministry of Economic Development through setting up and equipping a Centre to coordinate the work of the weavers as well as to facilitate sales, supported the project.
This pioneering project is an initiative to create interest in setting up a Sri Lankan fabric industry by growing the right variety of bamboo and accessing the technology to manufacture bamboo yarn. This would reduce the dependency of rural weavers on cotton yarn imports thus creating a sustainable local industry, organisers said.
Bamboo fabric is soft like cashmere and shines like silk; it is ideal for tropical humid climates as it is permeable and breathes actively thereby cooling the body. The fabric does not stick to the body, but holds its shape well.
Bamboo is the largest member of grass family and the fastest growing woody plant. It grows in diverse climates, making the bamboo plant a sustainable and versatile resource.
Bamboo has many ecological advantages through sustainable land use, grows easily without pesticides or fertilizers. It regenerates after harvesting without a need for replanting and is a good carbon sink. The water-use efficiency of bamboo is high. |
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