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Thursday, 24 March 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
In a bid to reinvigorate the local handicrafts industry, the inaugural Colombo International Crafts Exhibition is set to be held in August at the museum premises, an industry veteran said.
The National Arts and Crafts Foundation’s former Chairman Buddi Keerthisena told the Daily FT that a four-day mega handicraft trade fair was on the cards, aiming to build a platform similar to the famed Colombo Fashion Week (CFW).
“We are getting the support of the Government as well as the private sector. We are hoping to have it every year. A date will be fixed by next week. We are inviting all the craftsmen and there will be selection panel to filter who will showcase at the exhibition.”
An elated Keerthisena noted that the winner of the exhibition would not be given the usual Rs. 100,000 cash price but Rs. 1 million.
“The Indian Government is supporting us with multiple training programs as well. We are hoping to get down some Indian trainers alongside various designers from the Moratuwa University to come here and conduct some sessions for the craftsmen. These training programs will go parallel to the exhibition which will be held in August.”
He added that the Indian Government had infused Rs. 50 million for two crafts villages, of which one would be in Tissamaharama in Hambantota District which is near completion and the other in Jaffna. According to him, the craft village model will be on the lines of the already-established Janakala Kendraya in Battaramulla.
