Battaramulla Folk Art Centre to be developed

Irangika Range

COLOMBO: The Ministry of Rural Industries and Self-Employment Promotion will develop the Folk Art Centre (Janakala Kendraya) in Battaramulla as a national and international tourism destination investing Rs.70 million.

Minister S.B Nawinna has obtained Cabinet approval for this and construction has commenced. The project has targeted to popularise traditional handicrafts, local indigenous products and folk art among tourists.

Minister S.B. Nawinna told the Daily News that the project will be implemented with the assistance of the Tourism Ministry. It has aimed to create an eco-friendly and attractive environment for the relaxation of local and foreign visitors. A Guest house fortourists will be set up by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board and the Sri Lanka Hotel Corporation.

"Popularising our craft and art internationally, we expects to promote economic standards of local craftsmen. It has also planned to increase the number of students for the aesthetic and vocational training courses including courses for the disabled soldiers in the Folk Art Center."

A 500-seat Drama Theatre to perform the folk arts will be set up in the area. Sanitary facilities and accommodation would be improved for the convenience of visitors. Restaurants, four trade stalls to sell local manufacturing products and a pond will also be constructed. The road network will be modified in the Folk Art center while parking facilities will be improved.