The Rubber Research Institute [RRI] is now producing ornamental flowers and various handicrafts from the rubber leaf to increase daily income of the small rubber holders.
Dr.C.K.Jayasingha and Mrs.Nirmala Jayawardana of the RRI who invented this rubber leaf handicraft said it is a profitable business for local small rubber holders.

“I developed this method when I was at an international seminar,” said Dr.Jayasingha.

At present the RRI produces rubber leaf handicraft as a pilot project.

Rubber tree is known for more than a century for its latex production and timber value. However, the value of the rubber leaf as source of decorative handicrafts was realized only during the recent past.

The creation of these colorful ornamental gifts involves crafting of partially decayed rubber leaves into beautiful flower bouquets, book marks, greeting cards, key tags, wall hangings and miscellaneous souvenirs, he said.

A process of anaerobic microbial decaying, the official said, does the production of raw material.

The RRI is pleased introduce individual flowers made out of skelitanised rubber leaves for souvenir collectors.
The RRI sources said that it has already introduced a number of flower verities and bouquets.

The first batch of ornamental flower production will be handed over to the President Mahindha Rajapaksha .

Meanwhile Minister of Plantations Mr.Milroy Fernando said this product should be produced at a commercial scale.

“We do not need zero investment to start the production,” said Dr.Jayasignha. Speaking to the media he said the RRI plans to train small rubber holders on ornamental flower making and attract local and international customers.

“If we can produce this product on a commercial scale, then we can deal with the Export Development Board and other responsible government and non government institutions to explore for the overseas buyers,” he said.

At present a number of consumers have already placed their orders before the RRI to purchase these flower products.

We can easily sell these flower verities at high prices, he explained.

- Asian Tribune -