SERENDIB06: TSUNAMI FAMILIES REBUILD TRADE LINKS
(12 June 2006)

Members of six Sri Lankan families whose lives were disrupted by the 2004 tsunami will be in Britain next week to develop new trading links. They are among 70 businesses exhibiting at Serendib, a three-day showcase hosted by the Government of Sri Lanka. Apart from displaying their wares, the visitors will be holding talks with importers and other potential partners. The event will feature apparel, gems, jewellery lifestyle products and food and beverages from one of the world's most ancient cultures.

The six enterprises are among over 6,500 micro, small and medium enterprises including livelihoods, brought back to business by the Back to Business Project of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka. They are now being fully sponsored by the project to participate at Serendib. Those flying in include Mrs. Tharanga Dayananda whose company, Pilseli, produces handloom fabric items such as bags, purses, cloths and table linen.

She will join Lucian Fernando (decorative candles, clay pots and terracotta jewellery), Walter Kulasooriya who runs an art gallery, Prasad Narathota (ornamental ceramics) and two lace companies from Galle, an area that was badly-affected by the natural disaster. Mrs. M B Priyani (Thilini Lace) and Mrs. M S Kanthilatha (Kanthi Lace) are business rivals at home but will be working together to find new markets for Sri Lankan lace products.

This six member team will be accompanied by Sam Stembo, Project Director of the Back to Business Project.

"Serendib is part of our ongoing recovery from the tsunami in 2004 when we lost 31,000 lives and suffered $1.5 billion of destruction" said Indira Malwatte, of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board. "In view of the tremendous goodwill that exists in the UK for Sri Lanka, particularly in the aftermath of the tsunami disaster, it was felt that a major Sri Lanka promotional event would help maintain the momentum of the magnificent support and assistance received. It is a matter of pride and hope for us that some of the people who lost businesses in that disaster will be exhibiting at the event."

The UK is the second largest export market for Sri Lanka with 77% of these exports from the garments and textiles industry. Other major export sectors to the UK include food and beverages, rubber, petroleum, machinery & equipment, gems & jewellery & lifestyle products.

Serendib takes place at the New Connaught Rooms in Great Queen Street on June 21, 22 and 23 and includes a Meet the Buyers event where UK businesses can book appointments with Sri Lankan exporters.

It is part of the Refreshingly Sri Lanka summer festival, an extravaganza of culture, trade and tourism which includes an Open Air Festival in Trafalgar Square on 17th June. Click here for further information www.serendib06.com