Economic Empowerment is one of the thematic projects of Muslim Aid Sri Lanka (MASL) to provide sustainable livelihood supports to the vulnerable families. Under this project, MASL has been developing handloom centers with the prime motive of encouraging the women and giving opportunity to engage in the handloom weaving products in rural areas as an income generation activity.

Setting a milestone to the handloom industry of Sri Lanka, Muslim Aid recently opened up a showroom under the brand name of MA Lanka in Oddamavadi with the patronage of Mr. Thevarajah (Divisional Secretariat) and well-wishers in the area. This successful project foresees the future market potentials in the demand arising from local traditions. The initiative started in Muthur (Trincomalee District) and led to a growth of nearly 80 weaving operations within its suburbs namely Thoppur and Kinniya by end of the year 2021.

MASL started this project with the objective to provide job opportunities to the school leavers and young girls from the village and now with the expansion of the centres in the eastern part of the country, more and more women are willing to join the industry. Muslim Aid Sri Lanka is also working with the policy of the government to develop the local industries, especially industries like handloom where the income will be generated locally and benefitted by the local community.

The quality of materials used and the expertise in weaving is not compromised at any means where MA Lanka products are highly challenging for the local markets with its rivalries in terms of price competitiveness and high quality finishing. With proven quality in its durability, many customers seek continuous purchases in retail as well as wholesale markets. The prices are significantly attractive in its affordability of an average person’s income.

Upon successful demand being monitored in this region, MA Lanka will devote a strategic plan to setup its production lines at Oddamavadi to facilitate more employment opportunities with high quality training facilities by expert trainers. This will enhance to bring out creative imaginations and potentials from new weavers created in Oddamavadi and market expansions. The surpluses will be reinvested back as a charitable initiative to employ weaving capabilities to self sustain in a potentially viable handloom textile environment.