Indonesia feels batik industry can help Sri Lankan economy

Indonesia feels the batik industry can help the economy in Sri Lanka.

The Indonesian Embassy in Colombo in collaboration with Professional Business Coaches Association (PBCA), had conducted a vibrant Batik Workshop at the BMICH.

The event was graced by two distinguished Indonesian Batik artists from the Museum Tekstil Indonesia, who shared their expertise with 42 Sri Lankan Batik artists.

The workshop also attended by representatives from the Ministry of Industries and Batik entrepreneurs of Sri Lanka.

In her remarks, Indonesian Ambassador Dewi Gustina Tobing extended her highest appreciation to all distinguished guests and also highlighted the significance of Batik, not only as a cherished cultural heritage but also as a promising economic opportunity in Indonesia.

Dewi emphasized Batik has enhanced Indonesia’s cultural influence and contribute to economic growth and believed the same opportunities could be applied in Sri Lanka with Sri Lanka Batik.

This event also was attended by Berkah Shadaya, Head of the Dept. of Culture East Jakarta, Ajith Perera, President of the PBCA, Kasun Ranathunga, Chairman of the National Design Center Min. of Industry of Sri Lanka, Eric Suriyasena, owner of Eric Suriyasena Batiks, Ms. Darshi De Livera, CEO and Creative Director of Buddhi Batiks, and Ms. Sonali Dharmawardhena, owner of Sonali Dharmawardhena Batiks.

Eric Suriyasena also shared his previous experience in learning the Indonesian Batik directly from the Batik experts in Indonesia.

All the Sri Lankan participants engaged enthusiastically and enjoyed the opportunity to experience the Indonesian Batik making and took home the batik pieces that they had crafted on their own.

To complement the cultural experience, the Embassy team also served a selection of Indonesian snacks, offering participants a taste of Indonesia’s rich culinary traditions. This was part of Embassy’s ongoing efforts to promote Indonesian culture in Sri Lanka. (Colombo Gazette)