The Common Facilitation Centre that was set up at Thiththawella traditional pottery village in Kumbukgete in the Ibbagamuwa Divisional Secretariat Division 12 years ago is yet to be opened for use.
The main objective of setting up of this centre was to provide potters with knowledge of modern technology related to their field.
The centre was inaugurated on February 11, 2009; by then Minister of Rural Industries Premalal Jayasekara and Minister of Self-Employment Promotion S.B. Navinna.
“It has been 12 years now since the centre was officially opened. But it has remained closed for so long without a proper reason. Machinery worth several millions at the centre is covered in rust and are deteriorating,” potters said.
They said that they still use traditional methods for making pots, adding that they were living in traditional villages where there are a large number of people who engage in pottery. The potters said that they could compete with other modern imported cutlery if they are provided with the proper technical knowhow.
The potters said that clay cooking vessels cannot be replaced when the taste and the quality of the food cooked in them is concerned. Hence, clay pots and pans still have a good market.
“We would like to gain knowledge of modern technology.
Although we have brought this matter to the notice of the responsible authorities on several occasions, no action has yet been taken to address the issue,” the potters said.
