Laksala launches ‘Special Avurudu Festivities’

By Zahara Haris
Laksala launched ‘Special Avurudu Festivities’, a special programme for the upcoming festive season, with the presence of Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, at the Laksala Thummulla showroom recently. 
Celebrating its 50th year, Laksala plays a nationally important role of fostering the arts and crafts of the island.  
Speaking at the event, Laksala Marketing Consultant and Sales Trainer Dasal Fernando said that according to an idea of the new Chairman Hasitha Tillekeratne, the main intention of this event is to give a helping hand to the craftsmen in the villages. 
“The main objective is to promote and give a helping hand to the artists and craftsmen in the villages. We keep a small profit and sell the items to help them. So, their living standard is coming up.”
He said that even though the villagers manufacture crafts like elephants, they have no way of selling them. As Laksala is purchasing them for a reasonable price, it helps the villagers to earn their day-to-day living. 
He further said, “Some people think we have very older days’ products but all these products are manufactured in Sri Lanka.” 
Consultant Product Development and Export Promotions Indira Malwatte said the main idea of this event is to help to promote, uplift and sustain the craft industry of Sri Lanka.
She said this will be only the start as they are looking forward to continuing this with other cultural festivals too as their theme for the event is ‘Gift a craft item this Avurudu’. As Laksala is a self-funded gift and souvenir boutique, she said, “the more we sell, the more we get and the more we give the craftsman; it’s like a chain.”
Also, she said people can come and experience pottery painting and hand painting and there will be more fun-filled activities like playing the rabana, making sweets like kavum, kokis, etc. 
This season, Laksala will be giving discounts for selected items from 10 percent to 15 percent. They also have an offer for Sampath credit and debit cardholders with discounts from 15 percent to 25 percent. 
The festivities with exciting activities and discounts will continue until April 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Thummulla, Museum Gallery Cafe and Battaramulla showrooms.