A group of local and US sponsors paid for the construction of a Community Center that was completed in August of 2005. Its located just below the monks’ residence along the lane to the temple. Most community meetings are held at the pre-school so the Center serves primarily as the home for the Rush and Reeds project. Ms. Nandaniee teaches classes in the art of Pan where beautifuly crafted items are woven from hand dyed reeds and rushes.
These products are widespread island-wide, but varying according to the materials available in the area. The materials used in this handicraft are talipot or thalakala, coconut and palmyra leaves, cane, bamboo and baby bamboo. Some of the items made from these materials are mats, bags, purses, baskets, hats, boxes, lamp shades, table mats, cane furniture, kitchen and household articles and screens. These products are extremely popular in the local market.
Ms. Nandaniee’s group weave their items from locally available hemp and pan. They attempt to sell their products at the Community Center, but few visitors come to the village, and at regional crafts fairs. These types of crafts can be found in any tourist shop but the competition is very heavy and so far the ladies have not been able to establish a marketing arm that can help them penetrate this business.
I always bring a dozen or so items home with me and offer them to people who might want to contribute to the various education projects we are supporting in the village. If you would like something to connect you with the village that is useful, beautiful and completely hand dyed and woven, just let me know at: robertsjohnj@gmail.com
and send whatever contribution that you feel is appropriate.
Kuruppukanda - the spirit of a village 