In the areas of Nawagattegama and Pallama in the Puttalam District, a transformative initiative has redefined rural entrepreneurship, paving the way for a sustainable future for craftswomen. The project “Strengthening Rural Entrepreneurship by Adding Value to Traditional Crafts,” implemented by South Asia Partnership- Sri Lanka (SAPSRI) with financial support from HSBC, has opened up new opportunities for unemployed rural women. Running from November 1, 2019, to January 31, 2023, and backed by a grant of LKR 8,995,657, this project has made a lasting impact on the socio-economic landscape of these areas.

Reviving Heritage, Empowering Women

At the core of this initiative was the goal to equip unemployed rural women with the skills and resources necessary to craft beautiful products from reed, palmyra, and talipot leaves—materials deeply rooted in Sri Lankan culture. Over two years, a skilled network of 150 craftswomen was established, empowering them to expand their market presence both locally and internationally. These women are not just preserving their heritage; they are transforming it into a sustainable livelihood, fostering a new wave of rural entrepreneurship.

The Far-Reaching Benefits of This Initiative:

• Economic Empowerment: Through this initiative, craftswomen now have a reliable source of income, significantly improving their living standards.
• Social Upliftment: Participation in the project has empowered these women with increased confidence, recognition, and a renewed sense of purpose.
• Cultural Preservation: The project has revitalized traditional crafts, ensuring their continued relevance in today’s modern markets.

Read more about this project on SAP Sri Lanka’s website.