Plans to set up 1,000 handicraft villages

The Government will set up 1,000 handicraft villages by providing infrastructure facilities. Handicraft villages will be developed to increase the economic growth, Prime Minister DM Jayaratne said.

He was addressing the 'Shilpa' National Awards Ceremony for Handicrafts organized by the National Crafts Council in collaboration with the Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Ministry at the Janakala Kendraya, Battaramulla.

"We can develop our country socially and economically by locating handicraft villages in every district. In the past, handicraft were given due place to uplift the creative inherent talents and the emotional intelligence of our people. It is necessary to build the talents of our younger generation. Awards ceremonies like this help encourage the people who are involved in the handicraft industry," he added.

Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister Douglas Devananda said President Mahinda Rajapaksa had reiterated that national level importance be provided to the handicraft industry.

A large sum has been allocated for small enterprises from the 2011, budget, said Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Deputy Minister Weerakumara Dissanayaka.

The main aim of the National Crafts Council is to uplift the state of the creative people encouraging them to develop traditional industries and small enterprises and to sustain and conserve handicraft industry for posterity, said National Craft Council Chairman Buddhika Keerthisena yesterday.

Provincial Minister Udaya Gammanpila and Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Ministry Secretary V Sivagnasothi also participated. Prime Minister DM Jayaratne presented awards to G I Udayanga, RLM Jayarathne and S G Anura.