Breathing new life in to handicraft industry

Nethali Struys

Modern designs are encouraged to capture the market.

A series of workshops have been organized by the National Crafts Council (NCC) to develop and promote local handicraft products in a modern and artistic manner to uplift the market and promote it among tourists.

NCC chairman Buddhi Keerthisena pointed out that although there are around 52 product industry areas, it is difficult to find a good market for the products. “The reason for this is that most designs are monotonous and outdated. Most producers are also not aware of the needs of the modern market,” he said.

This had led for buyers to drift away from the handicraft market. This vacuum is being filled by foreign products, Keerthisena said. “We should have a new vision for the handicraft industry in Sri Lanka.

“Providing training with modern designs and an awareness for those involved in the industry, is essential. With the help of fashion designer, choreographer, photographer and master artisan Senaka de Silva, the programmes are being conducted to save traditional designs while creating new designs with modern technology for the current market,” the chairman added.

The NCC has made arrangements to hold an exhibition after completing all five workshops. The clay industry workshop is the third workshop and the next workshop will be on rush and reeds industry. Lacquer and sesath industries have already been completed. The council is focusing on five industries at a time out of the 52 handicraft industries to hold such awareness programmes. The NCC plans to conduct residential training workshops regarding each traditional industry.

Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Deputy Minister Weerakumara Dissanayake, National Crafts Council Chairman Buddhi Keerthisene and master artisan Senaka de Silva inspect the products.

Participants at the workshop have praised the programme. Degreeholders of various universities also participated in the workshop. They stated that there will be a huge development in these industries if the government continues to have such programmes to develop and promote it among the younger generation.