Premier calls to promote Lanka's handicraft industry

Mohammed Naalir

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka on Thursday stressed the need to promote Sri Lanka's handicraft industry according to technological changes in the world.

He said technical knowhow must be exchanged between countries without destroying a country's own traditions.

Prime Minister Wickramanayaka was addressing invitees after handing over air tickets to India to the handicraft artistes who won Presidential Awards in 2007. He said villagers are real resources.

A villager knows the problems of a villager. Those valuable resources must be utilised productively, he said.

The Prime Minister said Minister S. B. Navinna played a significant role in developing the rural industry as soon as he assumed duties as Rural Industries and Self Employment Promotion Minister.

The handicraft industry has also been uplifted according to modern technology advancement, he said.

"India is rich in the handicraft industry. Those visiting India must get the maximum benefit," the Prime Minister added.

Minister Navinna said the handicraft industry has been given its due place. The Ministry has taken significant steps to develop this industry on par with other industries.

"We have given opportunities to handicraft industrialists to display their talents. Our aim is to take our traditional handicrafts to the world with a new shape according to modern technology changes".

Minister Navinna said several local banks have joined hands to develop the handicraft industry providing financial assistance to industrialists.