Sri Lanka, with a rich heritage of culture, has nurtured a number of arts and crafts with a diverse workmanship deeply rooted in history and culture. However no proof can be put forward in verifying this same hypothesis to the bamboo industry. The bamboo industry laid its base in the late 70’s with the national economy development trend. With the government support and foreign gridlock design centers were founded under the National Craft Council. The Kuruwita Design Centre saw its inception during this era and has been an institute nurturing the young for generations thus passing over the knowledge of traditional weaving techniques for the last three decades.
The village of Yatiyanthota is a freshly established centre for bamboo craft, operational under the National Craft Council. A group of enthusiastic, energetic and skillful craftsmen toil to preserve the craft for the future.
Initially the craft blossomed because the workmanship suited the society and culture together with the needs and wants of the consumer. Traditional baskets were woven and many were utilizing these artifacts. Yet with the transition in trends and development of lifestyles the monotonous designs were replaced by the consumer oriented economy system in which the craft, skill, and product did not tally positively. This has resulted in a drastic drop in the demand for bamboo products.Hence in order to correct this oddity with the market and the bamboo industry a better market strategy with innovative designs has become a necessity. As a national contribution by the University of Moratuwa towards the grass root level industries of the country, a design intervention to uphold the bamboo craftsmanship in Kuruwita and Yatiyantota has been initiated with the support of Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing.