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Batik a dying art in Marawila
View(s):Batik workers in Marawila complain that successive governments must be held responsible for the collapse of an industry that was once a prime attraction for foreign visitors and Sri Lankans.
Marawila batik industry: Colourful local creations under threat from Indian batiks
The Marawila batik industry dates back to the ’70s and thrived until about 2002. Around 150 businessmen invested in Marawila, Koswadiya and Halpanwila, generating good returns. They engaged an estimated 3,000 workers but the numbers have now dropped to about 400. Crucially, the skills required to produce batik garments such as sarongs, shirts and dresses are going to waste.
“We manufactured colourful batik creations, using Pugoda and Veytex cloth,” said Janaka Srikantha, who had been in the trade for over 30 years. “I had 40 to 50 employees.”
The main reason for the collapse in the industry is Indian batik imports, said Manori Shanika, another batik industry figure. “They overpowered the market and our governments just looked on. Indian batiks don’t last longer than ours, but people bought them because they were cheaper.”
Another reason is that the government increased the price of materials used for batik production.
“We were a flourishing business for a few decades,” Shanika said. “We have a good number of employees and other dependants. Now the industry has collapsed and even the few still engaged in it are struggling.”
Anusha Samaraweera, who is also in the industry, said: “We make attractive creations but we can’t market them.’’
They appeal to the authorities, including the new government, seeking some form of assistance.
Pix and text by Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe
Batik workers in Marawila struggling to survive
