Speedy measures to boost local craftsmen: Ravi K

Tuesday, 29 March 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake is seen inspecting items for sale at the exhibition. National Arts and Crafts Foundation Chairman Buddhi Keerthisena is also present

Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake has assured speedy measures to create an international market for local craftsmen.

The Minister stated this after opening the Indo-Lanka traditional handicrafts and textiles exhibition at Mihilak Medura, BMICH recently. (26)

Speaking further, the Minister said: “I am ready to make the necessary interventions to create not only a local, but foreign market as well for those who are engaged in traditional handicrafts. I will give you a firm assurance to complete the background work in this connection before upcoming Vesak festival. A number of proposals have been incorporated into the Budget of 2016 to uplift local craftsmen. The craftsmen should make full use of these proposals. As a Government it is our policy to protect and promote local industrialists.

“I’d like to request the Chairman of the National Arts and Crafts Foundation Buddhi Keerthisena to meet me at the Ministry either next Monday or Tuesday with his proposals for the development of traditional handicrafts. This exhibition is a joint effort of India and Sri Lanka. India has shown us the importance of having a viable market for the traditional handicrafts.”