Blacksmiths who make bullock carts at Galewela requested the authorities to provide them with Sooriya mara timber to enable them to continue their industry.
They said among the many challenges to continue their industry, finding raw materials including metal and wood has become a hurdle. Attracting youth to the industry is also a challenge, according to them.
A bullock cart is rarely seen at present. It is also difficult to find blacksmiths who make bullock carts. However, there are a large number of bullock carts in Sigiriya nowadays.
A cart ride has become one of the most popular tourist attractions and modes of transport by foreigners for sightseeing. Blacksmith H. P. Chandrarathne, 48, of Ibbankatuwa, Galewela, who has learnt this craft from his father, said it is difficult to find Sooriya mara timber to make carts.