lace making

Lace making is not an indigenous art in Sri Lanka. Lace making was first introduced to Sri Lanka by the Portuguese in the 16th century.

Lace making began in the South-western coastal areas, especially around Galle. Lace making was practiced by the Dutch ladies during the Dutch colonial era too. Subsequently Sinhalese ladies caught on Lace making and established a handicraft in south western coastal belt of Sri Lanka.

During the 19th century, when Galle sea-port was in its heyday, lace products of the South-western coastal belt arose to outstanding heights in popularity. Today lace making is continued mainly by the Sinhalese ladies who inherited the handicraft from their ancestors. Along Galle, Weligama coastal areas the ladies are seen engaged in lace making-crochet and tatting-in the verandahs of their houses.

Among the range of products made with lace making are blouses, table linen, curtains, bed spreads and pillows.