Negombo kites fly to international markets

By Laila Nasry

(Reproduced from the Sunday Times - October 21, 2001)

Is it a bird...is it a plane...well, it’s sure not Superman! High up in the azure sky, an object larger than a bird but smaller than a plane swoops and dives, somersaults then does a merry jig. We stare incredulously, for it’s a kite performing such a feat.  

Saman, a sturdy lad of 23 and the source behind the ‘indisciplined’ show of energy is flying what doesn’t quite fit our impression of a kite. This was neither an ordinary ‘sarungale’ made out of ‘sau kadasi’ and ‘una bata’ (try stunts like this and it would have torn in a jiffy) nor was flying it a fun exercise for him.  

“Saman is a paid ‘beach boy’. It’s his job to head down here to the Negombo beach during the day and test fly the kites before they are exported,” says Frank Ulmer, the Managing Director of Aqua Dynamics, whose company manufactures and exports kites to European and US markets.  

Established in 1988, Aqua Dynamics first manufactured surf sails, wind surfing being a passion for Mr. Ulmer who is an expert on wind patterns. “I know enough to get propelled by it,” he smiles. Seven years later, the BOI approved company diversified its operations to include kites and tool kit bags for BMW, Mercedes and Porsche among other vehicles.  

Back at the factory at Kimbulapitiya Road, Negombo, a labour force of 350 is hard at work. Rows of sewing machines are lined up from wall to wall.  

Whirring away at them are young girls swamped in colourful material, their heads bent diligently over their sewing. “Producing kites is very similar to making garments,” says Factory Manager Lalindra Fernando. “From season to season, the colours change and designs differ. Right now we are manufacturing for 2002.” 

The kites are made out of polyester film and laminated fabric imported from France, Germany and Japan. “It’s a sewing operation,” says Mr. Fernando, the designs proving to be an exercise in geometry, for the kites come in odd shapes and sizes.  

Supplying designs is the task of Bill Hansen and Peter Stiewe.  

Sitting in the boardroom, their laptops open before them, they work at kite patterns, which look more like images of para-gliders, designing, altering and re-designing. The hi-tech configurations are not limited to those drawn at the factory but include designs sent via e-mail by their clients.  

Based on the original design, a master plan is drawn up and the material is cut out according to the different colours with strict specifications as to where the joints meet. “You can’t make an error,” says Production Executive Roshana de Silva who concedes though that alterations are possible. “Once the kite is sewn we check the finished product with the master plan to see whether there are any mistakes in the sewing. But it generally doesn’t happen,” she adds, saying much for the efficiency of the staff. “Clients are very specific and at no cost will they buy a kite with defects.”  

It takes around four to five hours to make a kite and Sri Lanka is recognised for its speed in production. “We got an order in the morning today and by afternoon we have finished half of it,” says Mr. Fernando.  

“Poland can match Sri Lanka when it comes to cheap labour but not in terms of efficiency and speed of delivery.” Nevertheless it’s a competitive market out there with China and Thailand also in the same line of production.  

Aqua Dynamics produces both tube and tubeless kites, which do not see the local market. Marketed at DM 20-30 and above per piece, these expensive kites are air freighted to their destinations abroad. The tube kites are generally exported ‘skin only’ and are assembled in Germany to cut down freight charges.  

In the US and Europe, kite flying is a sport. Stunt kiting, indoor kiting and various kiting competitions are conducted and there is a big demand for kites not only among children but also adults.  

“Kite surfing is the newest rage,” says Mr. Ulmer, explaining that the surfer establishes his balance atop the board with the aid of the kite.  

The kites manufactured are tailor-made to suit these competitions. “We make light kites weighing 20g per square metre which have to be artfully flown by walking backwards slowly.” They also produce kites as light as 5-7g which are used for stunt kiting, being flown with one’s mouth.  

Apart from these, kites appliqued or printed with cartoon characters are made for the kids. “Summer is the kiting season,” but we produce all year through offering off-season discounts to our clients,” says Mr. Ulmer.  

There is a commotion and a crowd collects on the Negombo beach. The reason? A kite, this time as big as a giant wheel. “48 columns in 12 colours each three feet in length...” Roshana rattles off. Once again we stare, this time in awe and admiration.  

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