Tour of India for 12 craftsmen

A Programme to provide local handicraft artistes an awareness abroad about modern creative and marketing trends has been launched by the National Crafts Council (NCC) Ministry of the Rural Industries and self Employment Promotion sponsored this tour.

As an initial step 12 handcraft artistes who won Presidential Gold and Silver awards at the 2006 National Handicraft Exhibition will participate a week’s study tour India from October 15 to 22.

A spokesman for the NCC said the tour will provide these artistes an opportunity to learn new design identification and application with the latest technology and assimilate them for the development of their own industries.

In addition these artistes will participate in the international Noida handicraft trade fair in the new Delhi city.

The Indian High Commission has facilitated this tour and the India - Sri Lanka Foundation will sponsor it bearing all expenses incurred in India. The cost of return air tickers to New Delhi will be borne by the Bank of Ceylon.

According to the request of Mr. S.B. Navinna, Minister of Rural Industries and Self Employment Promotion, President Mahinda Rajapaksa donated air tickets recently at the Temples Trees.