Women making food has long been a traditional custom in Sri Lanka. In the kitchens of Batticaloa, there are certain food items that are rarely known in the other countries or sometimes even out of the region. Traditionally, women from Muslim communities are known to be reluctant to come out of the barriers of their society breaking the stereotypes. However, in a village off Oddamavadi, there is this group of women who are real inspirations. While traveling around, we got a chance to meet a team of five women, who were also neighbours. Each one of them had their own simple way of generating income to cover their family expenses. Some of their products were of course new but were authentic to their locale.
The major products they produce are Spicy mixture and Manioc chips and several other sweets; those are common snacks from the ruralties of Batticaloa. Along with them, we were also able to meet this lady who employs another five number of women to produce handmade clay pots. As we all know making clay pots is almost fully motorized these days. However, it is well known that people in the industry are using at least a preliminary equipment that has been invented before centuries. However, this unique tradition they practice involves a complete making of the clay pot with hands purely. The skill they have developed and have shared through generations were really amazing to watch.
