Indian training for our handicraftsmen

Sandasen MARASINGHE

The National Crafts Council provided training to handicraftsmen, including those in the North and Eastern Provinces, under foreign experts to enhance the industry to cater to the needs of the developing tourism industry.

The one week training programme was held at the National Crafts Council, Battaramulla last week.

Two Indian experts in the field lectured selected 23 handicraftsmen from all the provinces under the main theme ‘How to reduce the production costs in their industry.’

National Crafts Council chairman Buddhi Keerthisena said the involvement of the North and East handicraftsmen in these programmes has been increased during the past three years with the dawn of peace.

He said they make a considerable contribution to the handicraft industry.

Keerthisena said this programme is the beginning of a series of such training programmes planned to be held at provincial level to provide training to handicraftsmen across the country. He said these programmes will enhance the standard of handicraftsmen’s self – employment, increasing their income.

Products can be bought at stalls at the crafts village at the National Crafts Council, Battaramulla and also at the Old Dutch Hospital building in Fort.