International Footwear and Leather fair Exhibition - Walk of Art 2026

INTRODUCTION

The 16th Sri Lanka Footwear and Leather Fair 2026 was held from February 27,28 and march 01,02 2026 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). The event served as a premier platform for showcasing innovative footwear and leather product designs. The Department of Textile and Wearable Arts participated actively, displaying over 30 unique footwear designs crafted by students from Level 2, Level 3. This exhibition provided students with a real-world experience in presenting their designs to industry professionals and potential employers, bridging the gap between academia and the footwear industry.

ACADEMIC RELEVANCE

The exhibition was directly aligned with several core academic modules, reinforcing practical learning and industry exposure:

• VATW 32063 – Wearable Art Studio Leather II
• VATW 22062 – Wearable Art Studio Leather and Other Medium
• VATW 22082 – Workshop and Field Studies

Students applied their knowledge from these subjects to develop innovative footwear concepts, blending artistic creativity with functional design principles.

OBJECTIVES

The primary goals of participating in the Footwear & Leather Fair 2026 included:

• Enhancing students’ practical knowledge and technical skills related to footwear design and production.
• Strengthening industry connections and creating future job and internship opportunities.
• Encouraging creative problem-solving and exposure to real-world design challenges.
• Developing soft skills such as teamwork, organizing abilities, and professional communication.
• Promoting entrepreneurial thinking by allowing students to interact with potential clients and investors.
• Enabling students to gain valuable feedback from industry experts, refining their design processes accordingly.

SUPPORT FROM Industrial Development Board (IDB)

The Industrial Development Board (IDB) played a crucial role in supporting our participation in the Footwear & Leather Fair 2026. Their contributions included:

• Free Exhibition Stall: Providing a dedicated stall space for students to showcase their footwear designs.
• Manufacturing Assistance: Supporting students in the manufacturing process by providing access to materials, technical guidance, and production resources.
• Networking Opportunities: Facilitating connections with leading footwear brands, suppliers, and manufacturers.

The IDB’s involvement significantly enriched the experience, ensuring our students had the resources and exposure needed to excel in the exhibition.

BENEFITS & IMPACT

The Footwear & Leather Fair 2025 proved to be an enriching experience for students, faculty, and industry professionals alike. Key outcomes included:

• Professional Exposure: Students received direct mentorship and critique from established designers, manufacturers, and industry leaders.
• Internship & Career Prospects: Several students secured internship and employment opportunities with leading footwear brands.
• Industry Collaboration: The department initiated collaborative projects with footwear manufacturers for future design research.
• Innovation Showcase: The exhibition highlighted students’ abilities to merge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design trends.
• Recognition & Awards: A few student designs were recognized by industry panels, leading to further development opportunities.

ORGANIZING TEAM

• Senior Lecturer U.G.N.D. Weerasinghe (Head of the Department)
• Probationary Lecturer S.M. Dilrukshi
• Temporary Lecturer A.G.M.Lakmal
• Temporary Lecturer W.L.A.N. Fernando
• Temporary Lecturer Dahami Perera

Participated Students:

2nd Year

• L. H. S. P. Thiyamini
• M. H. R. Sawbhagya
• C. J. Kodithuwakku
• A. M. L. K. Adhikarinayake
• A. A. D. D. Adhikari
• H. P. D. K. Gunawardhana
• W. M. A. K. Wijesundara
• G. D. Promodya
• K. P.S. T. Vidyarathna
• M. E. S. N. Munasingha
• A. M. K. Dilshani
• S. K. S. S. Kumara

3rd Year

• A. H. M. Himasha Chanuduni Jayathilaka
• M. Samudhi Amasha Fernando
• H. Nisansala Sewwandi
• S. A. Lochana Dewmi
• M. A. Sumya Dilsha Virajini
• A. Nishadi Wathsala
• Udeshika Amilabhashini Wickramasinghe
• K. A. C. Divyanjalee Kulathunga
• G. Bhagya Ranamayuri Senarathna

4th Year – Academic Year 2020/2021 

• Heshani Bandara

The Footwear & Leather Fair 2026 was a remarkable success, offering students an unparalleled platform to display their creativity and gain industry insights. The experience provided them with hands-on learning opportunities, professional exposure, and avenues for future growth. Moving forward, the Department of Textile and Wearable Arts aims to further strengthen its participation by integrating cutting-edge design techniques, industry collaborations, and sustainability-driven projects. The participation in such exhibitions continues to redefine the boundaries between academic learning and industry practice, ensuring that students graduate with the skills, experience, and confidence to excel in the footwear and wearable arts industry.

Exhibited Student’s products

Department Achievements