Crafts marketing village
The Tourism Ministry helped them out here by
giving them Rs 6.2 million. The Rural Industries Ministry gave Rs 1.8
million and all together it has come up to 8 million. In 2008
construction commenced and by 2009 the construction came to a close. Not
only is this craft for the viewing pleasure and pride of Sri Lanka it is
also a crucial help line to the tourism industry which has started to
rise dramatically. The sinhala word for handicrafts is Hasthaya (Hand),
indeed this will be the hand that will guide us into a goldmine. It is
definitely in accordance with Mahinda Chinthanaya.
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Getting ready for the exhibition |
Ishara JAYAWARDANE
The crafts marketing village is a village in the city. It is the
first one of its kind in Sri Lanka.
The crafts marketing village will be declared open by Economic
Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Guest of Honour, India High
Commissioner Sri Lanka Ashok K Kantha on December 2, at 3 p.m at the
Battaramulla Janakala Kendraya complex. Having visited this cultural
centre, I realized the importance of this centre when it comes to
preserving our indigenous handicrafts. The most beautiful creations were
on display all hand made. How can we turn our backs on our own distinct
cultural heritage?
The National Crafts Council is committed to preserving and sustaining
Sri Lankan Handicrafts. It is the foremost Government institution in Sri
Lanka when it comes to handicrafts.
"The National Council is the Apex body for the development and
fostering and also supporting the craft industry in Sri Lanka," National
Crafts Council Chairman Deshabandu Buddhi Keerthisena said. All I can
say is; folks, this place must be visited. This place belongs to you. It
is your legacy.
This idea came from a visit by a Sri Lankan delegation to India to a
market village called Dillihart situated in Delhi. This experience
prompted the National Crafts Council to form a Sri Lankan Crafts
Marketing village and I have no doubt- it will be a crowning success. |
