Sri Lanka, July 24 -- Handloom and batik textiles is more than an industry for us Sri Lankans. It is part of our unique cultural identity. It is our heritage. Because of our cultural roots, Sri Lankans are naturally gifted when it comes to the production of handloom and batik textiles. In written history it is said that when King Vijaya landed in Sri Lanka, he found Kuveni was weaving cotton. So we know that Sri Lankan handlooms are centuries old. When we talk about handlooms and batik textiles, we have a goldmine right here in Sri Lanka. No doubt this is what has prompted President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to stop the importation of handloom and batik textiles, with the aim of uplifting producers in the industry and to attract more producers. ...