Sustainable Textiles in the Past “Wisdom of the Past: Inherited Weaving Techniques Are the Pillars of Sustainability in the Handloom Textile Sector of Sri Lanka”

Hafeezullah Memon, Gayathri Madubhani Ranathunga, Virajini Medagedara Karunaratne, Samudrika Wijayapala and Nilhan Niles
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Hafeezullah Memon: College of Textile Science and Engineering, International Institute of Silk, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Gayathri Madubhani Ranathunga: Fashion Design & Product Development Degree Course, Department of Textile & Apparel Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka
Virajini Medagedara Karunaratne: Fashion Design & Product Development Degree Course, Department of Textile & Apparel Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka
Samudrika Wijayapala: Department of Textile & Apparel Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka
Nilhan Niles: Department of Textile & Apparel Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 15, 1-29

Abstract: The paper aims to identify characteristics of the driving force of the domestic handloom textile industry of Sri Lanka. A qualitative data analysis methodology was chosen for the research. Data were gathered from observational studies and semi-structured interviews. The observational study was carried out in museum collections, scholarly written books, and research journal articles. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with weavers, designers, technical instructors, and administrative officers. Data were analyzed according to observational study, coding, and concept development. Identified characteristics are interlinked with inherited craft knowledge, Buddhist culture, and the networks of people who live and work in a particular industrial society. The industry is developed through hands-on experience and prolonged engagement, where human resources are the key factor. The research scrutinized seven concepts related to the sustainable survival of the weaving structures. Learning is the direct enforcer. The infrastructure is supplied by the Textile Department. The research suggests recognition of a consistent infrastructure supply chain as national policy. The paper recommends to policymakers with the factors found to connect culture with an active action plan.

Keywords: inherited knowledge system; human resource; learning; training; hands-on experience; prolonged engagement; culture and tradition; handloom industry of Sri Lanka (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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