Sri Lanka’s first-ever overseas `Laksala’ franchise outlet, organized by Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board (SLHB) to promote the country’s traditional handicraft products to the international market will be opened in Miami, Florida in the USA in early September to strengthen the country’s people-centric economy.
The signing of the business agreement took place at Laksala Head Office, Colombo 7 under the patronage of Batik, Handloom and Local Apparel Productions, State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera. SLHB, Chairman Attorney at Law Lakmal Wickramaarachchi signed the agreement on behalf of Laksala while Sudarma Warnakulasooriya signed on behalf of Managing Member of Boom Lanka Bathik and Gifts LLC (Ceylon Gallery) in the USA. Ministry Secretary Janaka Dharmakeerthi was also present. The Boom Lanka Batik & Gifts LLC, USA (Ceylon Gallery) is the official franchisee of the Franchise Show Room outlet, at 1381, NW45 Street, Miami, FL 33142, USA.
All Sri Lankan traditional products that are supplied at the franchise outlet are sold under the world-renowned Laksala brand which has been highly recognized among foreign tourists visiting the country annually.
Commenting on the new outlet, State Minister Jayasekara highlighted that Laksala is the country’s only State-owned pioneer gifts & souvenir shop and it was established in 1964 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike. Currently, Laksala has a 12-Showroom island-wide network.
Jayasekara said the main purpose of establishing the new Laksala outlet in the USA was to sell traditional handicraft items including handloom products including batik costumes, gem and jewellery products, Ceylon tea, coffee, local ayurvedic products, organic products and Cosmetic products, produced by Sri Lankan rural craftsmen and also to promote the sale and marketing Sri Lankan handicrafts abroad.
Boom Lanka Bathik & Gifts LLC (Ceylon Gallery), Managing Member Sudharma Warnakulasooriya said both Sri Lanka and USA Trade Associations maintain a long business relationship for a long period and the main objective of this new venture is to popularize Sri Lankan handicrafts in the USA and also to help Lankan rural craftsmen. She said Boom Lanka Batik & Gifts LLC; USA (Ceylon Gallery) has also made arrangements to open 50 new franchise outlets in other states of the USA in the coming months.
0 comments: