By Saman Indrajith

Batik, Handloom, and Local Apparel Products State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera says that cassocks of Bishops and the Cardinal would be provided from locally manufactured apparel and according to the required standards.

Addressing the launch of the Made in Sri Lanka franchise logo to micro and SME manufacturers during a ceremony held at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo on Tuesday, the Minister said that so far cassocks for Bishops and the Cardinal were imported from Italy.

“I recently called on Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith and was given the consent to produce the cassocks here in Sri Lanka. We are sure we can produce them to the international standards and the clergy will appreciate the local clothing,” the Minister said.

He told The Island that the Cardinal had also agreed to hold the upcoming Christmas Mass adorned in liturgical costumes made from locally manufactured apparel. “So, this year’s state-sponsored Christmas mass is to be decorated in batik, handloom, and local crafts,” the Minister said, adding that it would add a touch of true Sri Lankan identity.

The Minister said that he had consulted the Cardinal on the proper procedures that needed to be followed when designing the attire priests wore. “I thank the Cardinal for making suggestions on manufacturing the robes, belts, and sashes worn by priests and Bishops using local textile and we’ll adhere to those guidelines.”

“Following the meeting with the Cardinal, I met our handloom fabric manufacturers and weavers and discussed how to use local textiles and handloom fabrics for Christmas this year instead of importing textiles from foreign countries.”

Jayasekera said the National flag to be hoisted at the next Independence Day would be produced locally. Those undertakings would not only encourage the Lankan handloom fabric manufacturers but also help the economy to recover, he added.