Cane, also known as
Rattans is an important raw material used for making furniture and handicraft
products here. The processing of cane and manufacturing of various items and
the technology used has passed down from generations in Srilanka. Cane comes in different varieties here - Mawel canes, small size `Weaving canes’ and large
sized Gedi canes. Cane is grown in Manampitiya, Bibile, Batticaloa, Passara,
Werugal and Trincomalee.
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| Different shades of Cane |
Radawadunna village on
the Colombo-Kandy road specializes in making handmade furniture and handicraft
from rattan cane. The produce is sold in shops alongside the road as well as in
prominent stores in Kandy and Colombo. A brief halt here while proceeding to
Kandy is a must and you could spend an hour browsing the small roadside stories
for an interesting memento to carry back home. Most of the artifacts here are moderately priced but bargaining
with the shopkeepers is a good experience with few of them knowing English, you
may need to do so on a calculator
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| A prospective customer checks the artifacts |
The livelihood of around
1,000 families in this remote village is dependent on this Industry.
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| From Brooms to Racks, Baskets to Elephants, they have it all |
Though in
some countries cane growers are recognized and granted financial aid by their
Government, the Industry in Srilanka does not enjoy the same benefits and without
State patronage it may eventually vanish
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| Dog days may not be far off |
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