• Exploring Sri Lanka’s herbal textile legacy with Sri Land

Sri Lanka boasts a rich and diverse textile heritage that dates back over two millennia, deeply intertwined with its cultural and historical narratives. The origins of textile production on the island can be traced as far back as the 6th century BC. 

Lankan textiles are even featured in the origin story of the Sinhalese, with Prince Vijaya meeting Kuveni for the first time while she was spinning cotton yarn. 

Textile traditions in Sri Lanka have been shaped by various influences, from cultural to economic and political, but one thing that has always formed an important part of our textiles is its inherent connection with nature – from natural materials such as cottons to the use of natural dyes. 

This is most apparent in the handloom industry, but also in our signature textile traditions such as batik. Regions such as Dumbara and Thalgune are renowned for their unique weaving styles, which incorporate geometric patterns inspired by nature.

Aesthetically, traditional Sri Lankan textiles are characterised by their intricate designs and vibrant colours which, for a large part of our history, were often achieved through natural dyeing techniques using local herbs and plants. 

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, the importance of traditional, eco-friendly practices, especially within fashion is becoming progressively pronounced and gaining traction. Among these practices, herbal dyeing and textile production stand out as consumers, both local and global, increasingly seek sustainable and ethically produced goods. 

This week, The Sunday Morning Brunch sat down with Suranga De Silva, one of the minds behind Sri Land’s Osu Vasthra, a brand rooted in ancient traditions which is quietly making waves by breathing new life into these practices. 

By harnessing natural dyes from indigenous herbs and promoting eco-friendly production methods, Sri Land is harkening back to the inherently sustainable textile traditions of old and blending heritage and age-old techniques with innovation to make these old techniques more accessible to conscious consumers in the contemporary market. 

Taking context from ancient knowledge 

Sri Land defines itself through the use of herbal textiles, a practice that can be traced back to ancient temples, where the practice of dyeing fabrics with natural herbs was integral to creating robes for monks. “In those times, the process of natural dyeing was limited to certain colours such as browns and yellows, but it was an integral part of temple traditions,” Suranga shared. 

The methods used were sustainable and aligned with the natural rhythms of the environment, ensuring no harm to nature or humans.

This rich history inspired Sri Land Founder Amal Chandika, a descendant of a weaving heritage family, to revive this practice and take it to new heights. 

Six years ago, he began experimenting with natural dyes, combining traditional knowledge with innovative techniques. Amal’s collaboration with a local expert backed by his family’s history and knowledge of working with herbal textiles led to the birth of Sri Land.

Today, Sri Land has stood strong in its commitment to using 100% natural Sri Lankan herbs. Among the herbs used are turmeric, cinnamon, aralu, bulu, nelli, neem, and sandalwood. These herbs not only impart beautiful, earthy colours to the fabric but also offer skin-friendly and eco-conscious benefits.

“We start with cotton yarn. The herbs are applied naturally to the yarn before it is woven into the fabric. This ensures the entire product line remains authentically Sri Lankan and environmentally sustainable,” Suranga explained. 

The process involves handlooms and skilled artisans who weave intricate patterns, preserving traditional craftsmanship while creating modern designs. The resulting products include not just clothing but also accessories such as bags, shawls, ties, pocket squares, and scrunchies.

Sensory side of herbal textiles

The herbal dyeing process is a labour of love and precision. By carefully combining herbs in specific proportions, Amal and his team have expanded the colour palette beyond the limited hues used in ancient times. This innovation allows Sri Land to cater to contemporary aesthetics while staying true to its roots.

One of the distinctive features of herbal textiles is their unique scent. It is not a permanent quality of the fabric, but still forms an integral part of the experience. 

“When you wear our herbal textiles, there is a faint herbal fragrance that lingers initially. Although it fades over time with washing, it is a reminder of the natural origins of the fabric,” Suranga shared, adding that in many cases, these scents were known to have various calming effects on the wearer.

Beyond the scent, the fabrics are known for their skin-friendly properties. “We have not conducted official testing or certification yet,” he highlighted, noting that empirical evidence was still on the way.

“However, as our dyes are entirely natural and because of the qualities of the herbs used, the fabrics are unlikely to cause itchiness or irritation often associated with synthetic dyes,” Suranga said. 

Outside the physical senses, Sri Land’s commitment to sustainability lends an emotional experience to its customers – sustainability is evident in every aspect of its production. 

The brand avoids using toxic chemicals, ensuring no harm comes to the environment, people, or animals. It also engages local communities and revives heritage crafts, giving artisans a chance to practice and pass on knowledge gained over generations of honing the craft. 

This philosophy aligns with global trends toward eco-friendly practices in the fashion industry, especially as countries like those in the European Union impose stricter regulations on synthetic textiles.

“Sri Land is about more than just clothing. We are preserving an ancient Sri Lankan tradition, creating products that are kind to humans and the environment, and meeting the growing demand for sustainable textiles. It is about balancing the needs of the present with the wisdom of the past,” he explained.

Sustainable storytelling for the modern day

In an era dominated by e-commerce, Sri Land’s Osu Vasthra has chosen a different path. The brand does not sell its products online, opting instead for carefully curated retail partnerships. 

“Our clothing is story-backed. When people buy our products, they are not just purchasing fabric; they are buying a piece of Sri Lankan heritage. That is why we focus on in-person sales, where customers can see, feel, and connect with the story behind each piece,” Suranga emphasised. 

Currently, Sri Land’s products are available at outlets such as Good Market, Barefoot, Urban Island, its factory outlet in Kahawa, and select hotel boutiques. This strategy ensures the brand retains its exclusivity and premium appeal.

Sri Land’s Osu Vasthra caters to a niche market that values sustainability, tradition, and authenticity. “Our customers are a mix of locals who appreciate the heritage as well as foreigners who see the uniqueness and value of our products,” Suranga noted. 

The brand’s eco-friendly ethos and use of natural dyes position it well for international expansion, especially in markets prioritising sustainable textiles.

“If you take a step back and see what is happening in the industry, we are recreating history while matching current requirements. Osu Vasthra is about catering to a sustainable market and creating products that are good for humans and the environment. When you buy our clothing, you are not just purchasing a product; you are supporting an authentic Sri Lankan brand rooted in tradition,” he added. 

By reviving ancient practices and making them relevant for today’s world, the brand is not only preserving Sri Lanka’s cultural legacy but also setting a benchmark for ethical and eco-friendly fashion. As the demand for sustainable textiles grows, Sri Land stands poised to lead the way, showcasing the beauty and wisdom of Sri Lanka’s herbal textiles to the world.