Sri Lanka’s state owned cultural emporium Laksala for the first time will divert to the food and beverage sector with the opening of its latest showroom ‘Laks Ella’ which is located near the world renowned Nine Arch Bridge and also the Ella Railway station.
Laksala, Chairman Rushing Marambage highlighted the importance of constructing a Laksala showroom at this picturesque venue and said accordingly the business operations of ‘Laks Ella’ will commence from July this year. According to Laksala Chairman the ground floor of the building will be used as the showroom while the second and third floors are used as a restaurant and a terrace for the benefit of visitors. This is the first time Laksala moved into this ‘catering’ segment.
The Nine Arch Bridge is located nearly 272 km from Colombo and it became a tourism hot spot from the recent past especially after the renovations carried out by the Government. The Laksala management decided to open a showroom at this beautiful place considering the huge arrival of local and foreign visitors almost every day.
“Around 700 to 1,000 foreigners visit Ella by train from Colombo to view the historic Nine Arch Bridge and over 1,000 foreign travelers are expected to visit Ella each day during weekends and festive seasons,” he said.
He said the ‘Laks’ Ella’ showroom will also extend a helping hand to local craftsmen and women to sell their traditional handicraft items. The Chairman also highlighted that Sri Lanka is indebted to local craftsmen and women who annually contribute immensely to uplift our traditional craft industry and said the Government is always ready to extend its gratitude for their invaluable contribution to develop the industry. The Chairman said he decided to establish a fund under the name ‘Laksala Craftsmen Fund’ to provide financial assistance to craftsmen during the latter period of their lives. Chairman said that the state owned `Laksala’ that comes under the Sri Lanka Handicraft Board is also expecting a net profit of Rs. 100 million before December this.
Ananda Kannangara