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New May Be Shiny, But Old Is Still Gold
New May Be Shiny, But Old Is Still Gold
May 22, 2015 |

New May Be Shiny, But Old Is Still Gold

For some people, choosing a vocation means following their dreams. And when this dream helps others realize their dreams or reach their potential, then you know it’s a winner. This is the story of Nithya Lamahewa, one of Sri Lanka’s many accidental social entrepreneurs. Social enterprises are a new concept in Sri Lanka so many people who “do good” while earning a living do […]

For some people, choosing a vocation means following their dreams. And when this dream helps others realize their dreams or reach their potential, then you know it’s a winner. This is the story of Nithya Lamahewa, one of Sri Lanka’s many accidental social entrepreneurs.

Social enterprises are a new concept in Sri Lanka so many people who “do good” while earning a living do not classify themselves as social entrepreneurs. More often than not, a social entrepreneur partners with a specific group of people to provide a solution to an issue faced by the masses. The ‘why’ of this usually centres on their passion for a cause, while the ‘how’ is generally through investor funding or financial backing. Accidental social entrepreneurs are individuals who involve the help of communities in their business, unknowingly making a positive social impact.

Nithya works with one such community. The handloom industry in Sri Lanka is one of the few traditional craft industries that has survived in today’s fast-paced world. Even this is mainly due to the efforts of some enterprising entrepreneurs who have found success promoting the craft on a large scale. Nithya has joined this group of do-gooders with her selfnamed clothing line. Using Academy of Design (AOD) as a platform, she strives to combine her knowledge of modern design with the traditional handloom craft and techniques handed down generations to take it in new directions. One such innovative concept is a fabric with a denim texture using handloom. She has also created collections using glow-in-the-dark handloom, pocket sarongs and Burberry check saris, as well as traditional dresses, saris and tops. Targeting high-end customers, Nithya’s designs are available at AOD’s store, Island Craft, the Saskia Fernando Gallery store and Ridhee. nHer website acts as the primary merchant. Perhaps it is also fitting that ‘nithya’ means ‘lasting’ in Sinhalese. Nearly completing three years in the market, Nithya has also made her mark in the hotel industry, designing apparel mainly for staff uniforms. She produced an Avurudu collection for Jetwing recently, and is currently working with Ani Villas in Dickwella and Anantaya.

Initially working with the artisans in villages for her internship, she decided to work with them for her brand as well. With the aim of taking Sri Lankan traditional handloom to another level and empowering these artisans, Nithya works with communities in Divulapitiya and Kurunegala, and other weavers as well. While the yarn sourced from India is bought from Pettah, the fabric is created in these weaving communities.

The next step for Nithya is to start her own store featuring her fashion line, and venture into other handicrafts such as batik.

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