Laksala, the paradise of handicrafts in Sri Lanka

Laksala ensures welfare of its handicraftsmen

As a government entity we will take every step to ensure the welfare of our handicraftsmen who have been with us for many years, Mr. Madhura de Silva, Director General/CEO said at a special meeting with handicraftsmen on Laksala Thummulla premises, Colombo 07. We are committed to uplifting the standard of our handicraftsmen and they are our pride, Mr. Silva stated.

Mr. Madhura de Silva , CEO/Director Genera hands over cheques.  Mr. Allan Delilkan, Acting 

  Director (Finance)  and Mrs. Vajira Samararathne,  Deputy  Director (Purchasing) look on.

“It is our responsibility to support our people. As a first step, recently Laksala launched an awareness programme on how to use the technology to enhance the quality of creations. A number of registered handicraftsmen from different areas in Sri Lanka participated in this special session. We continue doing more in future too" Director General/CEO further added.

Realizing the value of craftsmen, the new management of Laksala headed by Mr. Muhammed Hamza, Chairman made a decision to pay the outstanding arrears of its craftsmen immediately. Accordingly handicraftsmen were paid in arrears by Mr. Madhura de Silva , CEO/Director General. After handing over cheques, Mr. Silva engaged in a brief conversation with cheque recipients too.

Hundreds of Indian tourists arrived in Pinnawala

A large group of Indians, who came to attend an international event, held in Sri Lanka, visited Laksala Showroom located at the exit gate in Pinnawala recently. They were delighted to see products displayed in the showroom and highly praised them. Finally, they bought many art and craft items as they pleased for them, their relatives and friends. This was the first time such experience these tourists received during their tour in Sri Lanka.

Passengers from the Queen Mary II flooded

About 2000 tourists from the Queen Mary II , which is the largest ocean liner ever built, visited Laksala on 06th this month. Tourists arrived in Laksala flagship store located in Thummulla from 9.30 am to 5.30pm on a shuttle service operated from the Port of Colombo. On regular basis this transatlantic ocean liner arrives in Sri Lanka and every time those on board visit Laksala as usual.

The Queen Mary 2 measures 345 meters in length. The approx. 1,250 crew members take good care of the maximal 2,620 passengers. The Queen Mary 2 is the only remaining transatlantic liner. Laksala is known among tourists on the Queen Mary 2 for the only state owned gift and souvenir boutique in Sri Lanka and offering the widest range of Gem & Jewellery, Brass, Textile (Handloom and Batik), Tea, Wood Carving, SPA, Spices, Ceramic, Leather, Rush & Reed related products at reasonable prices.

“Laksala” arrives in Nuwara Eliya

New Laksala showroom in Nuwara Eliya was inaugurated by Laksala chairman Mr. Muhammed Hamza recently. At the auspicious time, the chairman cut a ribbon and warmed the new building after lighting the traditional oil lamp. The Laksala Management has given priority to conduct business in Nuwara Eliya which has been recognized as a key area for both local and foreign customers.

The new showroom is situated at 79, Udupussalawa Road, Nuwara Eliya, Tel: 052 223 4445: adjoining Divisional Secretariat Office. The high-quality products in the new showroom are sold at reasonable prices. As the only state owned gift and souvenir boutique in Sri Lanka, this handicrafts emporium has the ability to provide high quality locally manufactured widest range of Gem & Jewellery, Brass, Textile (Handloom and Batik), Tea, Wood Carving, SPA, Spices, Ceramic, Leather, Rush & Reed and many more creative products as well as any item for local and foreign customers according to the requirement of any or institution or company.

In order to promote handicrafts, the Laksala management has decided to offer a 15% special discount on products to employees from the government sector and selected private entities such as hotels, banks and estates etc in Nuwara Eliya. Both government and private sectors in Nuwara Eliya will be given special discounts when purchasing in bulk from this new showroom which opens from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. over 365 days and being served by an efficient and dedicated staff.

Laksala, which has the largest range of handicrafts, is the leading handcraft brand in Sri Lanka, and consistently ranking highest in terms of handicraft market share. The 13 Laksala showrooms , which is operating around Sri Lanka, are linked to around 8,000 leading and skilled craftsmen and entrepreneurs who operate their own industries in rural areas throughout the country.

In addition to that , for the benefit of the local handicraftsmen, a special cabinet paper seconded in the parliament in 2006 grants permission for government institutions to give priority to Laksala when purchasing goods and services in accord with their requirements.

Senior officials of Laksala, many other distinguished guests representing both government and private sectors and people from the area were also present on the occasion.

Welcome to Laksala, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Handicraft Board, popularly known as “LAKSALA” has been promoting the sale of local handicrafts through their showrooms spread island–wide and providing the essential market linkage to traditional craftsmen to market their products since the inception in 1964. Laksala is a “State owned Gift & Souvenir Boutique” and was established under the National Crafts Council and Allied Institutions Act No: 35 of 1982. 

Since then Laksala has witnessed numerous changes with an ever growing portfolio of products on sale. Today Laksala operates a network of 12 showrooms located island-wide offering an impressive product range of traditional handicrafts, Sri Lankan Batiks, Hand-woven textiles, Fashion accessories, Gem & Jewellery among an array of other Gift items at a reasonable price.

At Laksala you step into a garden of artistic creativity. Sri Lankan batiks, incorporate fascinating motifs and colour, some traditional, others highly contemporary and individual, but all displaying a vigorousness of design unique to this Island. In the hand-woven clothing, the Sri Lankan Weavers have transformed traditional patterns and the tropical hues into beautiful textile designs.

A fine collection of Silver and Gold Jewellery set with beautifully facetted colour gemstones are showcased at LAKSALA with the perfected warranty of authenticity. In order to achieve our vision, LAKSALA will make every effort to keep the traditional crafts alive, whilst adapting itself and evolving to new needs and demands of buyers.

Most importantly, LAKSALA enables the numerous small entrepreneurs who supply goods to us to sustain their businesses and earn a reasonable livelihood. LAKSALA is poised for future growth supported by the flourishing tourism industry which is the main spearhead for our business, and an increasing demand for souvenirs and gifts from the local market. With these positive trends, we see a very bright future for LAKSALA.

Visit Laksala to buy a gift or souvenir which reflects the Sri Lankan heritage, gives you “value for money” and guaranteed quality.

Partner us to help our craftsmen!

Muhammed Hamza
Chairman
Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board – Laksala