The creative platform for Sri Lanka’s traditional and contemporary handicrafts industries highlighting the skills of local craftsmen is annually organised by the National Crafts Council (NCC) in association with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce with the aim of preserving, developing and encouraging traditional handicrafts while enhancing the socio-economic status of artisans. “The exhibition is important to create market opportunities for our products and to share the knowledge of our traditional artwork,” he says. K.A.Ajantha who runs her hand crafted jewellery as a home business is happy to be at the exhibition every year. Prima Pearl based in Phuket,Thailand makes pearl jewellery, accessories and customized marine life themed ornaments in seahorse, starfish designs. Stone carvings, lace work, traditional paintings and sculptures were among the winning handicrafts creations done by students as a part of ‘Shilpa Navoda’, the All-Island Inter-School Handicrafts Competition.

Source: Sunday Times October 12, 2019 18:56 UTC