REVITALIZATION OF REED INDUSTRY TWO CASE STUDIES IN KALAPUGAMA VILLAGE-KALUTARA AND HABAKKALA AND KAlKA WALA VILLAGES IN BENTOTA

Abstract

Data were gathered to cover four aspects, such as resource utilization,environmental friendliness, economic and social aspects. Objectives of thisstudy were to identify the present situation; problem associated with theindustry; potential of expanding the industry; to identify the assistance andencouragement required to expand the industry; ultimately preparation of amanual to revitalize the reed industry. Sample size was 30 from each village.Data were collected using primary and secondary data sources. Reed species,which were found, was Galhe (Cyperus corymbosus), Wetakeya (Pandanusfurcatus), Pothukola (Cyperus platyphyllus), Hambu (Typha angustifolia) andThunhiriya (Scirpus grossus). Wetakeya and Galhe are cultivated; otherspecies can be obtained from the fallow paddy fields. After the collection ofraw materials reed are subjected for pressing. Unlike Pothukola andThunhiriya, Galhe and Wetakeya can be used to produce diversified productslike handbags, beach mats, shoes, carpets etc. This is a women headedindustry, which has environmental benefits like reducing environmentalpollution, enhancement of biodiversity and conservation of genes. Annualincome exceeds Rs.12000.00 for Galhe, Rs. 15000.00 for Wetakeye,Rs.5000.00 for Pothukola and Rs.5000.00 for Hambu. Improvements oftools, machines can maximize the resource utilization. Establishment ofsystematic marketing strategy, production of utility products, improvingquality of the products and use of natural dyes can boost the gross returns.Technological improvements and diversification of labour as in the garmentfactories can stimulate younger generation to be involved in the reedindustry.