අභිමානි - තෙවන අදියර - දිරිය ලිය අභිමන්

 Celebrating and Empowering Women Batik Entrepreneurs

On 27th March 2026, the first initiative of the third phase of Project Abhimani was successfully carried out at the auditorium of the National Crafts Council. This initial step functioned as a preliminary session aimed at empowering small-scale women entrepreneurs who had completed NVQ Level 3 in batik design. The initiative began with calling applications for the grand finale competition, followed by a comprehensive workshop designed to guide and prepare the participants.

During the session, participants were educated on the competition guidelines, marking criteria, and essential marketing strategies relevant to the batik industry. They were also introduced to the vision and purpose of Project Abhimani and the service-driven initiatives of the Leo Club of the University of Colombo. As part of the registration process, details such as participants’ names, business names, and individual photographs were collected, enabling the organizing team to promote their businesses through social media platforms and provide them with greater visibility.

The competitors were instructed to design a batik saree in accordance with the provided guidelines within the given time frame leading up to the grand finale. The workshop was conducted by Mr. Kanchana, a teacher affiliated with the National Crafts Council and the owner of Kanchana Batik. His expertise and guidance played a significant role in enhancing the participants’ skills and understanding. Notably, the initiative attracted participants from several districts across the country, including the Northern Province, reflecting its wide reach and inclusivity.

The second initiative of this phase was held on 24th April 2026 at the auditorium of the Faculty of Education, University of Colombo, marking the grand finale of the competition. All registered participants presented their batik sarees, each reflecting creativity, effort, and refined craftsmanship. A highly experienced panel of judges from the batik industry evaluated the sarees based on the established criteria.

The event was further elevated by the presence of distinguished guests, including the Chairman and Assistant Director of the National Crafts Council, along with several prominent Leo leaders such as the Multiple District President 306, Immediate Past District President of Leo District 306 C1, District Vice President of Leo District 306 D6, and the Zone Chairperson of District D6. Members from Colombo Fort Leo Club, SLIIT Leo Club, and CINEC Leo Club also participated, adding to the significance of the occasion.

Among the beautifully designed batik sarees, the top three creations were selected by the judging panel. All sarees were displayed to the audience, showcasing an impressive standard of talent and creativity. The winners were awarded cash prizes along with valuable gifts, while all other participants were recognized with certificates and tokens of appreciation, ensuring that every individual felt acknowledged and motivated.

The primary objective of this initiative was to empower small-scale women batik entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka by providing them with the necessary knowledge, exposure, and opportunities to develop their businesses. This phase of Project Abhimani was generously sponsored by Arnold and Pure Dale company, whose support played a crucial role in its successful implementation. Through such initiatives, the project continues to uplift and inspire women entrepreneurs, creating a meaningful platform for them to showcase their talent and achieve sustainable growth in the batik industry.