Shilpa exhibition on grand scale

Priyanka Kurugala

The National Crafts Council (NCC) has decided to exhibit important traditional events, and tangible and intangible national heritage items at the Shilpa National Handicrafts Exhibition.

The NCC will hold the annual exhibition at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in August.

Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister Douglas Devananda has directed officers to hold the exhibition on a grand scale this year.

The National Design Center, Palmyra Development Board and Kithul Development Board will launch programmes to show their skills and enter the market concurrent to the exhibition, NCC spokesperson said.

The National Design Center will hold Yugayata Nimeum Exhibition alongside the Shilpa Exhibition.

Creations of traditional craftsmen and plaques for tourists will be exhibited on this occasion, he said.

NCC chairman Buddhi Keerthisena said creations can be made for the local and foreign markets to attract tourists to the country.

He added that the NCC will obtain the support of the Tourist Board, Export Development Board and the private sector to develop and introduce new creations to the market.