Assignment – International Economics

Selyn – A Handloom Company

Located in Kurunegala in the the North Western Province of Sri Lanka, Selyn is a fair-trade certified handloom company which manufactures and exports handloom textiles and textile-based toys and handicrafts. This firm produce 100% natural cotton fabrics that are transformed into toys, children’s' accessories, decorative items for children’s rooms, home accessories, household textiles and linens and many other products.

Founded in 1991 by Sandra Wanduragala, Selyn started its work with 15 women in the village of Wanduragala in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. Joined shortly thereafter by her brother, Hilary Wanduragala, Selyn now has nearly 1000 members within its organization seasonally. Selyn is also a fair-trade certified company and supplies to fair-trade and commercial customers all over the world.

Business towards the International Market

Weaving is one of the oldest industries in the world and the history dates back to the early stage of human civilization. Although technology has transformed, textile industry to power looms and fully automated mills, still the weaving industry survives in many parts of the world. Today, the handloom industry in Sri Lanka is struggling to survive. Only a few who secured a significant market segment and compete aggressively with all modern imported textiles and garments survived. This has prompted the company to take measures to export its products to gain a sound brand name in the international community. The involvement of rural men and women has expertise in the business. Adding the local flare and heritage values to its products, the company has taken reactive motives to counterpart the competitors. Concentrating on the quality of the products has been the key to the success.

The company has given free license to its employees to engage their skills in a productive and efficient manner. By providing creative space for skilled artisans; men, women and youth from rural parts, it has proactive motives...