Amazing Batik Industry in Sri Lanka

The origin of ‘batik’ industry marked in countries like Indonesia and  Malaysia. The Dutch has brought batik to Sri Lanka and the industry was established in the last century. But, some evidences are proving its long history in Sri Lanka. Hence, it has been identified as one of the most important and traditional industries in the country. The batik production runs as a small scale industry generating employment opportunities for many talented artists in Sri Lanka.

Most of the batik wear are made of cotton, but some  made of silk. The art of using wax on fabric when dyeing is batik. This method is known as wax dyeing where cotton used as the material.  The wax is dripped by using a spouted tool called a canting. And it printed by using a copper stamp called a cap. Sometimes use a stiff brush to apply wax to large patterns. The material is immersed in dye and the wax is removed with boiling water. This leaves the waxed area as a different color in comparison to the dyed area. The process is repeated with different areas and dyes of different shades for complex multicolored designs. The designs are very colorful and unique. In Sri Lanka, Batik producers mostly use the traditional designs in their products exhibiting rich Sri Lankan culture. In some occasions, designs imported from Java in Indonesia are used to meet the necessity. In addition, manufacturers offer site visits for the customers to make their visit memorable, build up trustworthiness on their purchase, create purchase intention towards batik products, etc.  

Batik industry requires maximum of creativity, colorfulness and innovations to face the huge competition in the market. Because of the unique features in batik products, industry enables to deal with foreigners and make significant volume of foreign exchange to the Sri Lanka’s economy. Therefore, batik shops, manufacturing companies, stalls, exhibitions are available in island wide. Mainly, Art Lanka Kandy, Fantasy Batik Creations Kandy, Genuine Batik Hikkaduwa are a few of the venues which offer variety of batik products like  fancy beachwear, wall hangings, tablecloths, bedding and etc., to the potential customers.  

H.M.C.C.Herath

Dept. of Tourism Studies,

Uva Wellassa University