Saturday, August 4, 2007

Knives maker in Puttlam

Sounds of banging on iron in a small place, from where Sampath Perera makes knives of different shapes fills the surroundings of this idyllic roadside on Colombo Road, in Puttlam.

Logs of dried wood, and bunches of iron bars are laid on ground all over his workshop.

He learnt the art of making knives from his fore fathers. It's his traditional job. He was forced to feed the family at the age of fifteen due to poverty. While regretting of being dropped out of school, he is pleased to have been able to look after his family, especially his elderly parents.

He finds it difficult to meet the demand, because he makes knives manually. He says that, he is unable to buy any machinery to make knives, as they are very costly.

Sampath's monthly profit is Rs.5,000/=. He has three assistants. He says that, he finds it difficult to make more money as the cost of living is sky-rocketing.