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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”

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Hafeezullah Memon & Gayathri Madubhani Ranathunga & Virajini Medagedara Karunaratne & Samudrika Wijayapala & Nilhan Niles, 2022. "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”," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-29, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:15:p:9439-:d:877909
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Catalin M. Stancu & Alice Grønhøj & Liisa Lähteenmäki, 2020. "Meanings and Motives for Consumers’ Sustainable Actions in the Food and Clothing Domains," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-25, December.
    2. Longyu Shi & Linwei Han & Fengmei Yang & Lijie Gao, 2019. "The Evolution of Sustainable Development Theory: Types, Goals, and Research Prospects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(24), pages 1-16, December.
    3. Niki Derlukiewicz & Anna Mempel-Śnieżyk & Dominika Mankowska & Arkadiusz Dyjakon & Stanisław Minta & Tomasz Pilawka, 2020. "How do Clusters Foster Sustainable Development? An Analysis of EU Policies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-15, February.
    4. Harvey, Charles & Press, Jon & Maclean, Mairi, 2011. "William Morris, Cultural Leadership, and the Dynamics of Taste," Business History Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 85(2), pages 245-271, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sunil Tiwari & Joanna Rosak-Szyrocka & Dimpal Bharali & Sunildro L. S. Akoijam & Binoy T.A., 2023. "Demystifying the Sustainable Competitive Advantage of Sualkuchi Silk Products: Perspectives of Buyers and Sellers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-21, January.
    2. Hye Won Lee, 2023. "Development of Sustainable Creative Three-Dimensional Virtual Woven Textiles Using Clothing Waste," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-16, January.

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