Strengths

Inherited craftsmanship

Availability of variety of raw materials

Availability of talented designers.

Availability of Creative and innovative skills

Ability to produce unique , customized products 

Traditional crafts villages

Potential to create more employment opportunities especially in the rural areas. 

Govt. Support agencies like Export Development Board, National Design Center, National Craft Council, Laksala.

Ready access to technical assistance and business development services. 

 

Weaknesses

Smallness of the enterprises

Lack of proper technology

Low productivity

Disorganized Raw material supply

Competition from too many similar enterprises producing similar products.

High cost in obtaining quality certifications 

Lack of strategic focus for the sector

Limited access to credit.

Low participation of younger generation.

 

Opportunities

Traditional and modern skilled and trained handicraftsmen in all over the island.

Global and local market available for quality and handmade crafts

Government policy intervention for upgrading handicraft products in Sri Lanka and the high commitment of the Ministry and other Allied Institutes like National Design Center, Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board, Industrial Development Board.

Prevailing trend for locally made and Eco-friendly products.

 Possibility of creating a network with other related institutions like IDB, SME Bank, EDB etc. • Availability of donor funds for the development of Handicrafts.

 

Threats

Free import of handicraft products from SAARC countries.

Lake of awareness of National Crafts Council‘s role and achievements among government and stakeholders.

Rapid change of technologies.

Free import of substitute products in the local market.

Soaring cost of raw material and scarcity