Athwela Marketplace is an initiative of The Grassrooted Trust to build local economies in Sri Lanka. It works with artisans and cottage industries — in partnership with the Women's Development Foundation and the Devasarana Development Centre — to sell handcrafted products rooted in fair trade principles.
The Grassrooted Trust (Guarantee) Limited, registered at 365/1C Bataketiya Road, Udumulla, Mulleriyawa 10620, Sri Lanka.
The site's guiding statement is: "Human dignity is intertwined with economic independence." The goal is to connect Sri Lankan artisans and rural communities — particularly in the Ibbagamuwa Division of the Kurunegala District — to a globalized economy, while promoting fair trade and zero-waste practices.
A named community of artisans and partners, including potters, batik makers, cooks, and designers based in and around Ibbagamuwa. The site's Community page profiles several of them individually (e.g., a coconut-shell-bowl production coordinator, a Presidential award-winning potter, an eco-batik maker, a coconut-shell-spoon craftsman, and partners like Mount Eliza tea smallholders and KopiBoy coffee growers).
Categories include home decor, mugs and kitchenware, upcycled toys, clothing and accessories, postcards, seasonal (Christmas) items, and food items under "Margie's Kitchen" (e.g., pork curry, milk toffee, pickles). Product lines mentioned include hand-painted trays, "Who Made This?" mugs and coconut shell bowls, coconut shell spoons, Rainbow Family Tills, batik clothing, and posters.
Yes. Most items are handmade or hand-finished in small batches, so minor variation in color, texture, glaze, print placement, or finish is normal and considered part of the product's character rather than a defect.
Through the online store at athwelamarket.com, or by contacting the team directly by phone/WhatsApp or email. You can also find us at Goodmarket on Saturdays, and at Barefoot and Selyn flagship stores in Colombo!
Cash on delivery (collected by the delivery partner), direct bank transfer, Paypal and Kokopay.
Only if it hasn't yet been dispatched or handed to the packing/production team. Once an item enters production or shipping, standard return terms apply and the order cannot be cancelled.
Yes. Within Colombo city limits, delivery is handled through a partnership with eDrops, and several other delivery partners cater to the whole island.
Yes, for apparel, mugs, and artwork/decoration items. Food items are not shipped internationally — they are sold and delivered within Sri Lanka only.
No. Athwela Marketplace does not accept returns or exchanges for change of mind (wrong size, disliking the color/design, or no longer wanting the item), because goods are produced in small batches and international return shipping often costs more than the item.
Only if it arrives damaged or defective, or if you received entirely the wrong item (not a shade/size variation inherent to handmade goods).
Contact hello@athwelamarket.com or WhatsApp +94 76 387 7250 within 7 days of delivery, with your order number, a description of the issue, and clear photos of the item (and packaging, if transit damage is suspected). A resolution is provided within 10 business days. Claims made after 7 days or without photos are not accepted.
No. Original shipping charges are non-refundable under any circumstance, including approved defect or wrong-item claims. If a return is approved, the customer generally covers return shipping unless Athwela Marketplace specifically requests the item back for quality control (confirmed in writing first). Items should not be returned without prior confirmation.
Food sales are final due to their perishable nature, except where a food safety issue is reported within 24 hours of delivery with photo evidence.
To the original payment method (bank transfer or PayPal) within 10 business days of approval. Cash-on-delivery refunds are processed via bank transfer, for which the customer provides account details.
In Yakalla, Ibbagamuwa — about 10 minutes from the Yaggapitiya Highway Exit north of Kurunegala.
Come to us using Google Maps: Click here
Yes. The physical location serves KopiBoy Sri Lankan coffee and tea from Mount Eliza (a smallholder tea network in Matale) along with cool drinks and bites. Find our menu here
Call or WhatsApp +94 76 387 7250, or email hello@athwelamarket.com. Social channels: Instagram (@athwela_marketplace) and Facebook (facebook.com/Grassrooted).