Just twelve kilometres from Kegalle, along the old Kandy–Colombo Road, lies Molagoda. Here, more than fifty families continue a craft believed to date back to the Kandyan Era — perhaps even earlier. In every courtyard, the soft rhythm of shaping clay echoes through generations, as skilled hands mold earth into life: pots, vases, trays, ornaments, and the simple household wares that have long been part of Sri Lankan homes.
Molagoda is more than a village — it is a living museum of tradition, where artistry and livelihood are bound by the red clay of its soil. Yet, like many ancient crafts, it faces the challenge of keeping its legacy alive in a changing world.
To support this proud community, AOF has stepped in with a vision to blend tradition with opportunity. Through training programs, improved production methods, and better supply chain connections, AOF is helping the potters enhance both quality and creativity. Plans are also underway to create a traveller-friendly cultural stop — a vibrant space where visitors can experience the magic of Molagoda firsthand through live demonstrations, local cuisine, and craft displays.
In this way, the story of Molagoda continues — where the old art of clay meets new possibilities, ensuring that the hands shaping pottery today will inspire generations to come.
