Boost for local handicraftsmen:

Village for local artisans in Pelawatte

Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

The exclusive handicraft village set up by the National Craft Council at an investment of Rs. eight million was handed over to handicraftsmen at a ceremony held at the handicraft complex in Pelawatte, Battaramulla yesterday. The country is well poised to become an economic hub and is the safest country in the region. This would provide an impetus for the tourism industry to grow and steps are needed to meet the demand for the infrastructure facilities, Tourism Minister Achala Jagoda said.

Trade stalls at the handicraft village at Pelawatte Battaramulla. Picture by Wimal Karunathilake

“The peaceful environment now prevailing in the country will be an ideal platform for the tourist industry to grow. It will increase opportunities for local handicraftsmen to market their products. The handicraft village is a boost for them to generate valuable foreign exchange,” he said.

The handicraft complex was build in according to the Indian concept “Delhi Heart” would also include in Colombo City Tours as a tourist attraction. This is expected to provide easy market access to artisans and a wide promotion for their products, he said. The country needs to be geared to capture market potential created by the substantial development in the tourism sector.

The arrival for December recorded an increase compared to corresponding period last year. There are positive signs that industry will progress rapidly with the diversified attractions on offer. We should position the country to market effectively to reap benefits from the sectorial growth, he said.

The handicraftsmen are talented and skilled and an asset to the country. They need a proper marketing mechanism to generate a steady income to uplift their living standards.

The set up of this handicraft village would facilitate market opportunities and a growing demand for their products, he said.

There are over 15,000 craftsmen in the country and the village will support to find a marketplace for their products. The 30 stalls at the village would act as a displaying centre for both locals and foreigners. The stalls will be made available for all the registered craftsmen throughout the year on a roster basis, National Crafts Council and Folk Art Centre Complex Chairman Buddhi Keerthisena said.

This village will accelerate market access for craftsmen who they find it difficult to fetch a good price now. This is due to the operation of intermediaries. With the facilities at the village they will have a bright future, he said.