Treasure Trove

Rukshana and Kolitha Samarasundare rich in ideas and living in harmony with nature talk to Dilrukshi Handunnetti about their little house on the hill...

Ahand-made notebook lying idly on a table did the trick, and inspired by the creativity of the product, we were soon on our way to Kobbekaduwa in the Katugastota electorate, where two young artistes live in perfect harmony with nature. In their unique eco-friendly abode, they create a range of products that are nature friendly in the truest sense.

Nestled in the bosom of mother nature atop a hillock overlooking paddyfields, the house of Rukshana and Kolitha Samarasundare is the very essence of their environment — a house made entirely of clay ( kiri meti in Sinhala parlance) with both man and wife having added their individual touch, giving it an earthy, eco-friendly and culturally rich look, all rolled into one.

The uneven path leading to the house is a slightly arduous climb only recommended for sprightly and zestful people, but that is the only grouse. The young artists defend this stoically, saying that the moss-covered stone blocks give it a natural look and the traditional Kandyan appearance of rustic, unpolished elegance!

More wonders await as you enter their tiny yet artistic verandah from where there is a breathtaking view of the picturesque Hantane range. The gusts of wind there are a far cry from the doomed, polluted Colombo air and the nostrils fill with the warm odour of the rich soil.

And Rukshana and her husband renounced the hustle and bustle of city life for this bliss three years ago. They now live in a jungle hideout of sorts where they 'create together' in a home which is part of the natural landscape.

As we ponder where to sit and begin the interview, Kolitha suggests that we take a look at the house first, but not to view it as an art gallery but a house created to suit their individual tastes.

Their verandah has a Kandyan mosaic floor with strong black painted wooden pillars supporting the low roof. Rukshana has tastefully decorated the uneven wall with a circular 'pedura' (mat), irregularly kept cane chairs, a mesh ornament hung to emphasise a traditional Kandyan mural design and a discarded onion basket converted into a low-cost lamp shade!

"We are only rich in ideas, hence the different look given to our house. We want to share the fact that one can make a home using one's own skills, harmonising it with nature and most importantly, relatively cheaply," stresses Rukshana, adding that it has been her long-cherished dream to live close to nature.

Inside, the splendour continues in muted tones. The tiny house has a living room, single bedroom , a kitchenette and an open area where the duo work. The living room has a poetic ambience with a settee and two matching chairs turned out of brick, but covered with thin cushions in a contrasting black and brick red hue.

The open window of unpolished, uneven tree bark overlooks a tiny garden of roses. The TV stand and other furniture are of solid unpolished brick.

Some of our neighbours could not comprehend why we artists did not buy an elegant sofa and matching furniture from Colombo, says an amused Rukshana, explaining that apart from being an expression of individuality, their low-cost home has no security threats in a crime-ridden world!

The backyard is their sanctuary, where they paint together — Kolitha being the zealous one and Rukshana doing product sketches while her five assistants instructed by Mahinda Makandana, turn out the most earthy and refined eco-products. This area is decorated with an uneven curtain of sorts made of 'kitul hanasu,' tied and hung together in disarray, "to spur creativity."

"It is our haven," says Kolitha, who having obtained a degree from the Faculty of Fine Arts later decided on a creative career. While he became the Consultant Art Director of a leading advertising agency, Rukshana after vigorous training in art, chose to launch her own range of products two years ago. And to realise their dreams, they needed a change of scenery, and picked on the tiny village of Kobbekaduwa.

Rukshana asserts that it was not an ambitious project at first. The little pots and Christmas decor they turned out became the rage in town. But Kolitha and Rukshana wanted more. Exploring the export market was not their sole aim, though it soon became a reality. The concept behind their products and what was close to their hearts was spreading a message of caring for and nurturing the environment.

Being a lover of nature, Rukshana chose a line of products that could be made with raw material found in abundance in Hantane, that would otherwise have gone waste. Apart from the serenity and peace of mind the area afforded them, it was also a "gold" mine for twigs, leaves and other forest produce. However, in gathering this raw material the duo adhere to certain self-imposed restrictions such as not clearing areas, but only picking things that have fallen off trees. They do not remove anything from trees, as preserving nature's bounty is of paramount importance to them.

"We do not abuse nature. For example, when we introduce seasonal products like kurundu pencils etc, we wait for the correct time when these things are available aplenty. We do not clear the thickets, cut trees or remove forest produce," she emphasises, pointing to a range of products made out of kitul, all gathered when the dried kitul flower falls off. "It's sometimes difficult, but we wait for nature to take its own course. Otherwise, what is the purpose of calling ourselves nature lovers."

Their products come in three main categories — woven mats made of dry leaves, kitul and gunny products.

Kolitha explains that their products also evolve according to the seasonal availability of material. But his forte is painting, mostly oils that adorn the uneven 'meti' walls of their home, creating a reflective mood.

Since they set up home on the hillock, they both agree that life has become less stressful and more peaceful — joys they missed in Colombo. It is this serenity and peace that they want to transmit to the outside world.

Happy to receive a giant forest export order from Malta, Rukshana emphasises that it is important to preserve the Sri Lankan identity of her products. While Kolitha provides the concept, his young wife evolves products in keeping with Lanka's culture.

"This country has so much raw material that is going waste. Our products are painstakingly done. Nothing comes out of a machine, only human labour contributes to create our products. The world is shunning certain destructive trends and turning to nature, as it should. There is a scarcity of resources and forest cover is depleting fast. When people invest their emotions and labour in a product, it becomes doubly worth. Ours is a tiny effort to give a clue on how to live eco-friendly lives," chorus Rukshana and Kolitha.

Having started off as home decorators and landscape artistes, they have finally gone commercial. As business has expanded, they are now turning out 'unique natural chains' using barks of various herbs and seeds, which Kolitha calls accessories with a medicinal value.

They also have their seasonal favourites like hand-painted greeting cards and Christmas decor, while their normal products include files, folders, notebooks, jewellery and trinket boxes, wall hangings and booklets containing information about Sri Lanka.

"We like introducing new products from time to time, but they should not disturb nature. When we gather forest produce, we treat and colour them according to the product requirement. But no harmful chemicals are used and quality and durability are guaranteed," said the duo who have received CISIR certification for their products.

And they treasure each twig, leaf and tree bark. No, not because they could be transferred into money but because it is bountiful nature which gives us life, says Rukshana, exclaiming that their common dream is to reforest the area where they live and see their home nestled in thick jungle, in a decade. They live for that day, dreaming of living closer to nature than ever before!

Rukshana and Kolitha Samarasundare's eco-products are available at Lanka Handa and Good Earth outlets.

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