Traditional touch for the season at Mahila Samiti sale

The Lanka Mahila Samiti will hold its annual exhibition and sale of handicrafts at the Lionel Wendt Gallery, No. 18, Guildford Crescent, Colombo 7 on Wednesday December 4 from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

A variety of attractive handicrafts produced by members of rural Mahila Samitis in 16 districts of the island will be on display. Fine crochet and beeralu lace, including pure lace and lace inserted table cloths and teapoy covers as well as cushions with traditional embroidery, a speciality of the south will be up for grabs. Sleeping mats, sewing boxes, hambili for coins and coasters from the Kalutara district could also be purchased at the sale.

Baskets of various types and sizes, table mats and other household articles from raw materials such as Hana, Watakeiyya, Ekel and Cane from Kegalle and other districts and Dumbara wall hangings, purses and letter holders from the Kandy areas will be on sale.

Another attraction will be beautifully smocked children’s frocks, nightdress sets and baby dresses from Bulathsinhala. There will also be a variety of batik items including kaftans, shirts, sarongs, wall hangings and table cloths with napkins to match.

Ideal as Christmas or special gifts, the articles on display represent the effort of rural women which is to primarily improve their family income, while preserving traditional handicrafts.

The Lanka Mahila Samiti Handicraft Sales Centre is presently operating at 391, Thimbirigasyaya Road, Colombo 5. From December 7 (Saturday) onwards, the sales centre will be open for business on all Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the season.