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 Name: MB Priyani
Location: Galle District, southern Sri Lanka.
MB Priyani credits SAPSRI with saving Sri Lanka’s beeralu lace industry.
‘I was introduced to SAPSRI in 2001 through the Export Development Board. I was making beeralu lace on a small scale at the time. SAPSRI encouraged me to form a CBO along with 6 other women. We all produced different handicrafts –batik, baby clothes, jewellery-making with gems. Through the CBO, SAPSRI provided me with a loan to expand my business. I bought a handloom gradually I gradually I built my business.
When the tsunami struck in 2004, it washed away everything I owned and destroyed my business. It washed away my house, 13 machines, my warehouse, all my stock and my sales centre. Thankfully, SAPSRI was there to help me recover. They provided me with a loan to replace the stock, machines and warehouse, as well as to rebuild my house.
I’m a National Craft Council Teacher and I enjoy passing on beeralu-skills to others. In 2005, when HSBC and SAPSRI joined together to empower tsunami-affected lace makers from Mirissa, I provided much of the teaching. And through SAPSRI’s latest project, which is transferring beeralu skills to the younger generation, I’ve been teaching younger women the centuries-old skills.
Without SAPSRI, Sri Lanka would have lost its beeralu-lace industry. It was a dying craft and SAPSRI rescued it and reinvented it, making it even stronger than before. They have got the younger generation involved and they’ve introduced new colours, designs and products. They’ve moved us away from the traditional products – which was mainly household goods – and into totally new areas. The Paramparaven exhibitions raised the profile of our craft and introduced us to new markets. I supplied many products, including table mats and nightdresses, for the Paramparaven exhibitions. It was great to experiment with new designs and colours.
Before SAPSRI, we were making beeralu-lace on a small scale, earning just a little bit to supplement our household income. But now we can earn a decent living from the craft. I can say this with conviction because I am proof that it can be done! The business provides the main income for my family; my husband and my five daughters are all very supportive and helpful.
SAPSRI’s support is about much more that just providing money. It empowers and encourages women to better themselves. SAPSRI changes women’s attitudes, makes them believe in themselves and helps them become entrepreneurs.’
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