March 30th, 2010

Sandra and Hilary Wanduragala from Selyn yesterday visited a possible new cooperative partner.  A small weaving center on the outskirts of Selyn's hometown of Kurunegala has been doing business with the same individual for about 25 years.  But three months ago, he stopped paying for goods delivered.  They therefore approached Selyn to see if there was a possibility for a cooperation.

Sandra and Hilary visited the weaving center for the first time yesterday, and saw only seven rickety old looms being used, while another 15 or so had been dismantled as a result of lack of orders and payment for their work.  The saris being woven were made of partly synthetic, inferior fibers.

Still, they saw potential in the people they met there.  The owners, a married couple in their early forties seemed determined to get this operation back on its feet.  They clearly understood what quality is, and the hard work that goes into a quality product.

At the same time, the area where the center was located is a traditional weaving area, with plenty of women looking for sustainable work within the craft they grew up mastering.

And, as Selyn saris are increasingly popular because of their distinctive Sri Lankan design and colors, Selyn is experiencing a growing demand for these beautiful Sri Lankan produced pieces.  Selyn has also launched a 'Wear Sri Lankan' campaign in order to raise awareness of this threatened traditional craft.  Click here for more information on 'Wear Sri Lankan'

Thus, the Selyn owners saw a win-win situation, and immediately determinded that they want to have a serious look at a cooperation with this new producer.  Through a rather limited financial investment, Selyn can bring this ailing weaving center up quite a few notches with some new equipment, training, and a short term loan facility if necessary.  The goal is to provide some forty new women a steady income flow while providing the customers in Selyn's three showrooms in Sri Lanka with the saris that are so very popular.

A couple of 'off the topic' photos from the weaving center visited yesterday: