Handicraft carry subtle message abroad -Basil

Wehelle Piyathilake Maharagama special corre.

Mahinda Chinthanaya the main government policy, has evolved a plan to develop and restore national assets and crafts. A substantial amount of money has been allocated through the Budget 2011 for this purpose.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said this while speaking at the openning of the Crafts Marketing Village built at the Janakala Kendraya premises, Battaramulla.

The arts and handicrafts conveys the message of the history and culture of a country to the world. Artistes are like ambassadors of any country in the world.

Sri Lankan handicrafts have earned a prominent place in the global handicrafts sector. Our craftsmen should utilize modern tools to produce their crafts to be suitable for the global market, but historical and traditional way of making handicrafts should not be compromised. Tourists like to buy goods from a country bearing national attributes of that county. Also, tourists like to buy goods straight from the producer. This marketing village will give them the opportunity to buy crafts direct from the craftsmen.

The quality of the goods should be of higher standard; for that our craftsmen should utilize modern tools.

After 30 long years the people of the country are free from terrorism and now enjoying peace under one national flag. The war against terrorism is over for good and today, we have launched a war of development. In this task, irrespective of differences, we should all flock together to win this war of development and make Sri Lanka the miracle of Asia.

Due to the foreign policy of the President Mahinda Rajapaksa today, we have earned the friendly disposition of the world towards Sri Lanka. Now is the ideal time to introduce our crafts and craftsmen to the global market. I would like to express sincere thanks to Minister Dauglas Devananda, Deputy Minister Weerakumara Dissanayake and the National Crafts Council Chairman Buddhi Kirthisena rendering absolute support to uplift the quality of our handicrafts and the skills of our craftsmen, he said.

The craft marketing village consists of 30 stalls which offer handicrafts made by craftsmen in all districts including the north and east. Indian High Commissioner Ashok Kanth who was the guest of honour at the event, also spoke.