Laksala signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a franchise outlet in Guangzhou, China on 03 November, 2021 to promote Sri Lanka products, in particular, traditional handicrafts, in the lucrative Chinese market. The online signing ceremony with Sala Global (Pvt) Ltd. was organised by the Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board (SLHB) together with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing. Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekera, State Minister of Batik, Handloom and Local Apparel Productions, Ambassador Dr. Palitha Kohona, Lakmal Wickramaarachchi Chairman, Laksala, Chinthaka Wijewickrama, Managing Director, Sala Global (Pvt) Ltd, Jason Wong, Managing Director, Aliya Ceylon attended the event online.
Laksala is the only State-owned Gift and Souvenir Boutique in Sri Lanka. It plays an important role in promoting and fostering national arts and crafts, nourishes rural craftsmen, and the products are sourced from the most authentic manufacturers.
The new Laksala outlet in China will promote and market the traditional handicraft items including handloom and batik products, Ceylon Tea, coffee, local ayurvedic, organic and cosmetic products in China.
Laksala has already established outlets in the USA, Dubai, Japan, and the UK. This MoU will pave the way for Laksala to open its 5th outlet.
Speaking online at the event, the Ambassador, Dr. Palitha Kohona, said that Laksala has brought Sri Lanka traditional handicrafts and other products to the Chinese market. He said that this outlet will play a major role in opening up the market in China for such products. Rural Sri Lankans who depend on small-scale handicraft production will benefit from this initiative. He invited the other industries in Sri Lanka to follow Laksala's example. Laksala can play a major role in eliminating rural poverty in Sri Lanka.
Minister Jayasekara said that local and foreign tourists were the customer base of Laksala. This initiative would create a huge market demand for the Sri Lankan traditional products in China. Lakmal Wickramaarachchi, Chairman, Laksala, Chinthaka Wijewickrama, Managing Director, Sala Global (Pvt) Ltd, Jason Wong, Managing Director, Aliya Ceylon also spoke at the event.
Laksala, at the encouragement of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing, will participate, for the first time, at the China International Import Expo 2021 (CIIE) and promote Sri Lanka gems and jewellery.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Beijing
12 November, 2021
