The technique utilised to product batik items in Sri Lanka incorporate multiple processes. Each batik production commences with the creation of the required design or pattern. Next several other processes are carried out according to the design and these processes include a technique that can be commonly referred to as "multiple waxing". In addition to this, the batik clothes are coloured or dyed and an attractive range of colours are used today. In waxing, molten wax is applied to the segments of the cloth that will not be dyed and then the process of dying is carried out. Dyes are applied on the material and after the colour has been inserted or set adequately, the material is washed.
In order to produce highly advanced and coloured products, the process of waxing as well as dying should be carried out again. On certain products, the craftsmen repeat this particular process for more than two times. A wide variety of designs and patterns, often called motifs, are created within the main batik designs. These motifs are popular among Sri Lankans as well as foreign tourists and some of these motifs depict ancient designs. Modern motifs and styles are also incorporated in to batik products in Sri Lanka.
It is believed that the craft of batik originated in Indonesia and this particular craft became popular in Sri Lanka by the 20th century. It was the Dutch colonists who introduced the art of batik to Sri Lanka several centuries ago and it has since been a key industry of the country. Despite the Sri Lankan batik industry originally blossomed in the south western portion of the island, it is carried out in other regions as well. The central Hill Country of Sri Lanka, including Kandy, is one of the popular places for batik products besides cities like Galle and Matara.
It can be stated that batik is one of the handicrafts that the Sri Lankans have perfected. Thousands of people engage in producing batik products and today groups and even communities combine their labour in order to produce highly valued batiks. A number of factories or workshops that specialise in batik production operate in several regions of the country and these employ numerous people. Accordingly, the batik industry provides both social and economic benefits to Sri Lanka and it is one of the most popular industries of the nation.
In bygone centuries, when the batik industry was in its early growth phase, one single person was responsible to start and complete entire batik products. A wide number of shops, from gigantic super malls to street vendors, sell amazing and uniquely designed batik products in Colombo as well as other cities of Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan travellers as well as foreign travellers can be seen purchasing these elegant products during their holiday journeys in large quantities, especially in tourist destinations such as coastal areas.
