The annual handicraft sale of Lanka Mahila Samithi will be held at the Lionel Wendt Gallery on November 28 from 9 am to 5 pm.
The Lanka Mahila Samithi has from its inception taken a keen interest in reviving and promoting traditional cottage crafts of the country 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, ladies’ handbags, gents’ purses, table mats and wall hangings made out of ‘Indikola’ palm and hemp (hana) could also be purchased at the sale.
Another attraction would be beautifully smocked children’s frocks, nightdress sets, baby clothes, table linen as well as fine crochet and beeralu lace and lace trimmed table cloths, teapoy cloth, table runners and cushion covers.
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 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 gifts or special gifts, the items on display will represent the effort of rural women, to primarily improve their family income, while preserving traditional handicrafts.
The craft sale centre has been functioning since 1953 and is at present housed at 168 1/1, New Kandy Road, Welivita, Malabe.