Lace making is a popular handicraft here. Brussels and the more contemporary Honiton type lace is available. This type of lace is handmade on pillows.

Beeralu lace making was introduced to Sri Lanka by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Lace making was once a lucrative occupation but as with most export trades, middlemen became involved, re    Read more...

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sulting in a minimum income for the producers and lace has not been exported as viable goods since the 1930’s. Those who continued to generate an income solely from lace making were entirely reliant on the passing tourist trade to support the fishermen’s income.

The lace produced by POH has been redesigned to appeal to the global market. Since setting up the project, the lace has been used in high profile film work and has gained significant public awareness as a result. The Galle lace has been used for Cate Blanchett’s costumes in ‘The Golden Age’, in BBC’s production of ‘Jane Eyre’ and in ITV’s ‘Persuasion’.

”Power Of Hands” Foundation seeks to continue the development of the centre in Galle and to continue to profile the lace through the film and fashion industries, increasing public awareness of both the plight of these women and of their highly skilled craft.

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