News
SL High Commission, NCC host round table discussion on future of Sri Lankan crafts in London
The Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with the National Craft Council of Sri Lanka (NCC), hosted a RoundTable Discussion on the future of Sri Lankan crafts, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to explore opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
Held at the Sri Lankan High Commission in London last week, the event drew over 25 participants, including academics from the London College of Fashion, an expert from the EU Craft Work Project, entrepreneurs, retailers, writers, and representatives from the Sri Lanka–UK Chamber of Commerce and the Friends of Sri Lanka Association.
High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera chaired the session and, in his opening remarks, emphasised the vital role crafts play in preserving Sri Lanka’s cultural identity. He highlighted their contribution to local livelihoods and export markets, calling for greater awareness, education, and commercial engagement, while maintaining the authenticity of traditional craftsmanship.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Ayesha Wickramasinghe, Chairperson of the NCC and Senior Lecturer at the Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering, University of Moratuwa. Dr. Wickramasinghe detailed current initiatives aimed at safeguarding traditional crafts, fostering innovation, and enhancing access to both domestic and international markets.
Her visit to the UK, alongside fellow academic and NCC Board Member Dr. Sumith Gopura, was supported by the British Council’s Connections through Culture programme. The two scholars have been leading the project Empowering Handloom Artistry, the results of which were recently showcased at the Threaded Heritage exhibition, held at Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of Reading, both key UK project partners.
A lively Q&A session, moderated by Minister (Commercial) Somasena Mahadiulwewa, addressed pressing issues such as limited funding, barriers to international distribution, quality control, and the need for skilled artisans. Export related challenges, including inadequate HS codes and customs complications, were also raised. Participants urged stronger international marketing efforts to promote Sri Lankan crafts more effectively on the global stage.
The event concluded with a display of handloom apparel and crafts from the Threaded Heritage collection, offering attendees a first-hand look at the richness of Sri Lankan textile artistry. The discussion marked a meaningful step toward enhancing collaboration, addressing industry challenges, and supporting the sustainable growth of Sri Lanka’s vibrant craft sector.
By Sujeeva Nivunhella reporting from London ✍️
The High Court has convicted 14 of the 24 men accused of being directly involved in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which killed 279 people.
The three-judge bench read out its decision on Tuesday after a five-year trial and said sentencing would take place later, the AFP news agency reported.
The charges included murder and conspiracy to commit terrorism.
Nine others were acquitted, while another defendant was found guilty of only some of the charges, the court said.
[Aljazeera]
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The ruling NPP yesterday (21) dismissed claims of a widening rift, within the government, over the proposed 22nd Amendment. Asked whether the NPP was concerned over a section of the Opposition alleging Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and two dozen MPs taking a view contrary to that of the party in this regard, authoritative party sources said some persons were propagating speculation for their own interest.
Declaring that there was absolutely no issue regarding the controversial Amendment, sources emphasised once it was tabled in Parliament, it would be passed with 2/3 majority.
Sources dismissed claims that out of its 159-member parliamentary group a section of NPPers was opposed to the government move. According to an influential Opposition activist, there are 57 JVPers and 66 NPPers in the government group and the rest contested the last parliamentary polls, having aligned with the JVP.
Ministerial sources told The Island that the government was confident of going ahead with the 22nd Amendment and Judicature (Amendment) Bills. Sources said that the NPP was not bothered about the Opposition protests in and outside Parliament.
Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickremaratne is expected to disclose the confidential ruling that he received from the Supreme Court in respect of more than 65 petitions for and against the 22nd Amendment and Judicial Amendment Bills. The enactment of the 22nd Amendment would pave the way for extending the retirement age of Supreme Court judges, from 65 to 67 years, and Court of Appeal judges, from 63 to 65 years.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Court of Appeal Judge Mayadunna Sri Mevan Anthony Edirimannasuriya Corea as the Acting President of the Court of Appeal.
The appointment has been made as President’s Counsel Nalin Rohantha Abeysuriya, who currently serves as President of the Court of Appeal, will be overseas until the 24th.
Accordingly Justice Mayadunna Corea was sworn in as Acting President of the Court of Appeal before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential secretariat last morning (21).
Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake was also present at the occasion.
High Court convicts 14 over deadly Easter bombings
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Fatima Sana and Umm-e-Hani secure bronze for Pakistan in Asian Games
India bat first in Asian games womens cricket final
Showers about 100mm will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara Districts
Govt. confident of 2/3 majority despite NPP split speculation
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