Dumbara Rata Handlooms: A Timeless Sri Lankan Art

 



Nature often blesses us with beauty — and through the hands of its people, that beauty is turned into breathtaking creations. One such precious art form born from tradition and nature is Dumbara Rata Handlooms, a unique and proud heritage of Sri Lanka.











🧶 A Tradition Woven Through Time

The heart of Dumbara handloom production lies in Thalagune village in Udunuwara, where this craft has been passed down through generations. This industry has been practiced since ancient Sri Lankan kingdoms and continues to flourish today.

One of the most respected figures in this industry is Mr. Chandana Yapa. His grandmother, Tikirathi, was a famous handloom artist during the reign of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. In fact, her skills were so highly regarded that the King requested her to weave garments for the royal palace.

One of her creations, a traditional bathing cloth called the Diyakachchiya, was worn by the King himself and is now preserved in the National Museum, Colombo. The original weaving machine used to create these garments can still be seen at Mr. Chandana’s Dumbara handloom workshop in Thalagune.

📜 Deep Roots in History

Historical records and evidence show that Dumbara weaving patterns have been around since the days of the royal courts. In the past:

  • 🌿 Cotton was grown locally.

  • 🌸 Natural dyes were made from tree bark, flowers, fruits, and leaves.

This eco-friendly and artistic process produced fabrics, furniture upholstery, home décor, and handicrafts — all rich in traditional patterns and craftsmanship.



💼 The Modern Dumbara Industry

Today, most Dumbara artisans purchase cotton yarn and chemical dyes due to limited access to natural materials. However, the artisans still spend hours — often days — weaving each piece by hand with incredible attention to detail.

As a result, Dumbara products can be more expensive, but this cost reflects the labor, tradition, and creativity behind each item.

Currently, most of the demand for Dumbara products comes from the tourism and export sectors, with many pieces being sold through companies based in Colombo.

🧠 More Than Just Skill: A Mental Art

Creating Dumbara handlooms isn’t just a skill — it's a meditative process that requires:

  • 🎓 Deep knowledge

  • 🧘 Patience and restraint

  • 💡 Creativity and clarity of mind

  • 🖼️ Artistic vision

Because of the uniqueness and artistic value of Dumbara handlooms, Sri Lanka has proposed it to be recognized as a World Heritage Art. Some Dumbara-inspired designs are already on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum in the UK, which is a proud achievement.

🇱🇰 Why Dumbara Handlooms Matter

This timeless industry contributes to:

  • 💰 Foreign exchange income

  • 🌍 Promoting Sri Lanka internationally

  • 👩‍🎨 Creating employment for rural artisans

  • 🧵 Preserving ancient Sri Lankan craftsmanship

To keep this art alive and thriving, it’s important to:

  • 🛍️ Promote Dumbara products to local and international audiences

  • 🏫 Train new generations in the art

  • 💼 Support artisans through government and private sector partnerships

💬 Final Thought

Dumbara handlooms are more than just textiles — they are a living expression of Sri Lankan heritage, woven with love, skill, and history. As Sri Lankans, we should cherish, support, and share this extraordinary craft with the world.








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