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| SLT empowers “Preserving heritage for tomorrow” through its’ 2013 calendar |
‘Preserving Heritage for Tomorrow’
Sri LankaTelecom PLC (SLT) proudly announces the eagerly awaited launch of its calendar
for the forthcoming year. SLT’s Year 2013 calendar once again lives up to its
reputation as one of the most coveted corporate collectables in the country
with a focus on the ‘Rush & Reed Craft of Sri Lanka’ under the main them of
‘Preserving Heritage for Tomorrow’, which is a part of SLT’s CSR activities.
The calendar has earned a reputation as a collector’s item that is not only of
aesthetic value but is also informative.
SLT had
been producing thematic calendars for the past 10 years with a focus on the
culture, nature and heritage of Sri Lanka. SLT takes care to select art forms
that are closely related to Sri Lanka and its people in its art and culture
themed calendars. Its calendars have highlighted Sri Lanka’s rich heritage in
these respective fields, putting the spotlight on indigenous talent and
diversity. As a piece of art as well educational, the SLT calendar positions
itself at the forefront by being one of the most high profile and popular
corporate calendars in the country.
The SLT
2013 calendar focuses on the Rush & Reed Craft of Sri Lanka, as it is a
unique craft that has been passed down from generation to generation and holds
pride of place in Sri Lanka’s legacy of handicrafts. Sri Lanka has always been
known the world over for its handlooms and handicrafts and holds the potential
of bringing in foreign exchange and providing economic benefits to the
disadvantaged people engaged in this craft. Unfortunately, the craft is in
danger of fading away due to lack of support and popularity, which is why SLT
decided to take up the cause.
Greg Young,
CEO, SLT, commented: “The annual SLT calendar is an important milestone for the
company, and I am delighted to note the respect and appreciation it evokes from
anyone who sees it. It is designed and produced in-house by our own staff. This
year, the calendar focuses on Rush and Reed craft, to highlight this intricate
craft and its skilled weavers. This craft has a strong relevance in today’s
world, as products made from these materials are eco-friendly and can be used
as replacements for environmentally harmful materials such as polythene and other
synthetic materials. The unique designs in these products convey tales of the
ancient traditions and culture of Sri Lanka, from the times of the ancient
kings. SLT remains committed to promoting and supporting the people of the
nation and as the voice of the country, we are privileged to use the calendar
as a platform to publicize this valuable craft. SLT’s annual calendar forms a
part of our corporate social responsibility under the theme of ‘preserving
heritage for tomorrow’. We seek to be an advocate of the rich heritage of our
country and aim to support the revival of this dying art and craft for the
benefit of future generations.”
About Rush
& Reed Craft
Among the
Sri Lankan traditional crafts Rush and Reed weaving is a unique artistic skill
that has been developed and used by Sri Lankans for many thousands of years.
This craft weaves itself into the very lifestyles of people traditionally
engaged in livelihoods of agriculture and paddy farming. In fact, the craft has
been the subject of many tales and poems.
The craft
carries a tremendous bearing on culture and traditions, environment as well as
the economy of Sri Lanka. The intricate designs require careful planning and
organizing to ensure that the right sizes of reeds are collected in the right
amounts and colours to ensure the accurate production of the desired design.
All designs are inspired and derived from natural elements, geometric forms and
mathematics and often include flowers, birds and animal motifs. The beauty of
the design comes from the imagination, creativity and skills of the weaver.
The
traditional materials used in weaving are rush grasses like gal ähä, tulhiriya,
hävan and palm leaves from coconut, thal, thala and indi as well as pandanus.
They are also usually coloured using natural colouring materials and pigments
extracted from trees and plants, however today, artificial dyes are also used.
Although there are various types of reeds and rushes, only about 10 have been
used for this purpose from generations, with many more yet to be discovered.
Furthermore, the growth of certain rush varieties help to purify the soil with
their ability to remove harmful chemicals from it. Thus, the importance of
reviving the traditional methods of rush and reed cultivation and conservation
helps play a major role in the rehabilitation of ecological processes.