Handicraft map coming up soon

Priyanka Kurugala

Plans are underway by the National Crafts Council to draw a handicraft map, Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Ministry Secretary V Sivagnanasothy said.

The map will be launched on March 19.

Daskari Heart Society in New Delhi Chairperson Jaya Jetly, National Craft Council chairman Buddhi Keerthisena, Industries and Small Enterprise Development Ministry Secretary V Sivagnanasothy and Indian High Commission Counsellor (Information) Birender Singh at the press conference

The Indian High Commission will sponsor the event, he said.

The Secretary was addressing a press conference at the National Crafts Council in Battaramulla recently.

He said the Mahinda Chinthana future vision aims to uplift the handicraft sector.

"Summarising the distribution of the handicraft industries is important. This will lead to develop the handicraft sector," Sivagnanasothy said.

The main objectives of drawing a handicraft map is to indicate the distribution areas, traditional and modern industries countrywide and show hereditary villages specialised in certain handicrafts and workshops, he said.

The other main objective is to attract local and foreign tourists, he said.

National Craft Council chairman Buddhi Keerthisena said national award winner and National Craft Council's registered artist Jagath Jayasooriya is the artist of this map.

Chairperson Daskari Heart Society in New Delhi Jaya Jetly will provide instructions and guide this programme, he said.

Jetly said Daskari Heart Society has a long link with the National Craft Council.

Indian High Commission Counsellor (Information) Birender Singh said developing the handicraft sector in Sri Lanka is important.