UTILIZATION OF PRESERVED BAMBOO IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

Bamboo is one of the oldest materials used by mankind to increase comfort and upliftmentof human life. It is best put to use in situation where its natural properties are emphasized.The strength of bamboo culms, their straightness smoothness, lightness, cylindricstructure, abundance and shorter period in which they attain maturity make them suitablefor a wide variety of purposes. Bamboo has excellent properties but its natural resistance todecay is low. Chemical preservation using preservatives which have good diffusionproperties, improves, the durability of bamboo structures. Fourteen species of bamboo have been reported growing in Sri Lanka, and only five ofthem are used. They are widely used, for the craft industry and scaffoldings. World demand for handicrafts made of bamboo has increased considerably thedevelopment of cottage industries based on preserved bamboo will directly benefit poorrural people. The whole biomass of the tree can be utilized. Bamboo has several characteristics that make it a suitable and economical buildingmaterial for building construction, as well as for the scaffolding that facilitates the same.In place of steel, bamboo has been considered as a reinforcement factor for concrete The major problem is the shortage of the raw material of bamboo in utilization in SriLanka. Wastage of bamboo can be minimized by introducing the preservation methods.People must be made aware of the value of bamboo in order to encourage their supportiveparticipation in development, conservation and usage aspects. Bamboo products can bepromoted as a substitute to plastic and polythene goods by highlighting their environmentfriendly qualities.