News
The potter’s plea
View(s):By D Gnanasiri Hettarachchige in Ampara
A once thriving pottery industry in a remote area of Ampara has all but got destroyed due to a shortage of raw material needed to make the products.
The Uhana pottery village was started by the National Crafts Council in 2018. Around 50 families in the area benefited from it. However, of late the project has become a failure as the villagers are unable to obtain the clay and other material needed for their products.
One of the villagers, Niranjala Sarojini, who comes from several generations of potters, said they make clay lamps, pots and many other products, but the problem they face is a lack of clay as well as firewood for the manufacturing process.
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- Craftspersons engaged in the ceturies old trade
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- Uhana Sumana Thero
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- Niranjala Sarojini
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- Chinthaka Abeywickrema
Her views were echoed by several others in the village. Venerable Uhana Sumana Thera, resident monk at the Maligatenna Sri Sudharshanaramaya, said the villagers in the area have traditionally engaged in unmaking clay products and it’s their main livelihood.
“They have no way of obtaining the clay and the firewood they need in a legal manner. They have no support from anyone who is interested in preserving their craft for the future. This production centre in Uhana was set up under the Yahapalanaya government at a large cost, and all the equipment was provided, but the lack of raw material has crippled their business,” the Thera said.
The District Secretary of Ampara Chinthaka Abeywickrema said that he has not been apprised about the problem faced by the villagers, and pledged to look into the matter. “We will take steps to ensure that the traditional clay crafts of the people of Ampara will not be destroyed. We will discuss with those affected and address their problem,” he said.
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