Mahila Samiti handicrafts sale: Always something to look forward to
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Once a year Lanka Mahila Samiti holds their handicrafts sale, which has now become a customary and well attended event.
This year the sale will be held at the Lionel Wendt Gallery, No. 18, Guildford Crescent, Colombo 7, on Tuesday, December 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Lanka Mahila Samiti has from its inception taken a keen interest in reviving and promoting traditional cottage crafts among its rural members. A variety of attractive handicrafts produced by members of rural Mahila Samitis will be on display.
Beautiful baskets made out of Watakeiyya, mats woven with intricate traditional designs (Rata) and high quality coin purses, hand bags for ladies, gents’ purses, table mats and wall hangings made out of ‘Indikola’ palm and hemp (hana) could also be purchased at the sale.
Another attraction will be the beautifully smocked children’s frocks, nightdress sets, baby dresses, table linen as well as fine crochet and beeralu lace and lace trimmed table cloths, teapoy covers, table runners and cushion covers with traditional embroidery or trimmed with lace.
There will also be a variety of batik items including kaftans, shirts, sarongs, wall hangings and table cloths with napkins to match.
New items on display this year would be the beautiful hand embroidered spectacle cases, mobile phone covers, cloth bags and soft toys made out of fabrics.
There will also be stalls with festive décor, clothes and food items.
Ideal as Christmas or special gifts for personal use, the items on display represent the effort of rural women, which is to primarily improve their family income, while preserving traditional handicrafts.
The craft sales centre has been functioning since 1953 and is presently operating at 168 1/1, New Kandy Road, Welivita, Malabe.