Indo - Lanka craftsmen will further strengthen bilateral relationship

“Centuries old relationship between India and Sri Lanka could be further strengthened and developed by bilateral exchange of craft related activities and heritage skills of artisans of both countries”, said Indian Textiles Minister, Shri Shankersinh Vaghela at the Inauguration of the Shilpa Sri Lanka held recently in New Delhi.

The Shilpa Sri Lanka - Craft Exhibition and Trade Fair - organised by the National Crafts Council of Sri lanka in collaboration with the office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) of India and High Commission for Sri Lanka in India, commemorated the 60th anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between India and Sri Lanka, from October 21 to November 3 in the Dilli Haat- Inernatioal Market village for Crafts in New Delhi, India.

Indian Textiles Minister Shri Shankersinh Vaghela, Rural Industries and Self-Employment Promotion Minister S.B. Nawinna and National Crafts Council Chairman Buddhi Keerthisena were the Chief Guests at the Inauguration.

Minister Vaghela said It is a great pride for the people of India specially for the artisanal community that the Sri Lankan Government has chosen India to showcase Sri Lankan Handicrafts through the Shilpa Sri Lanka. According to the historical records, there was a great influence from India on the arts and crafts of Sri Lanka.

During the period of Emperor, Ashoka, artisans of various crafts communities of India came to Sri Lanka with their Sangamittha, daughter of Emperor Ashoka and settled down in the various parts of the country. The Indian Government willing to provide assistance required for the development of handicraft industry in Sri Lanka”.

Rural Industries and Self-Employment Promotion Minister S.B. Nawinna expressed his gratitude for the co-operation extended by the Management Committee of the Dilli Haat in offering opportunities to Sri Lankan artisans to exhibit and sell their products in the Dilli Haat and thanked the Council of Handicrafts Development Corporations (COHANDS) for sponsoring six Master Artisans of Sri Lanka who work with 12 Indian Master Artisans in India.

Minister Nawinna said, “The Shilpa Sri Lanka is a unique opportunity for artisans to share their skills and techniques in improving quality of crafts products. This is a milestone to further strengthen relations of both countries in the handicraft field.”

National Crafts Council Chairman, Buddhi Keerthisena said “The Shilpa Sri Lanka will enhance productivity and quality of artisans of both countries. Such endeavours in future would continue to further consolidate the mutual gains to the artisanal communities between two countries.

High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in India. C.R. Jayasinghe and Development Commissioner of Handicrafts, Sanjay Agrawal also spoke at the inauguration.

Thirty Sri Lankan artisans participated in the Shilpa Sri Lanka. Six Sri Lankan Master artisans in Batik, lace, silver jewellery, reed and rush, wood carving and brassware work with 12 Indian counterpart master artisans under the craft exchange programme sponsored by the Cohands. The High Commission for India in Sri Lanka also extended their co-operation to make this project a success.