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 ✍️
In terms of the provisions of the Establishments Code on payment of festival advance to government officers, there’s a possibility of obtaining rupees 10,000/- as an advance for celebrating festivals of Theipongal, Ramazan, Sinhala and Hindu New Year, Wesak, Deepavali, and Christmas as well as for pilgrimages (Sri Paada pilgrimage and Hajj pilgrimage).
Provisions have been given to recover the said advance in 08 installments or if required earlier without interest. It has been proposed by the Budget 2026 to increase the said festival advance up to rupees 15,000/-.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local governments to revise the relevant provisions so that the festival advance can be increased up to rupees 15,000/- .
As per the approval given by the cabinet meeting held on 02-06-2025, action is being taken at present to offer the underutilized lands/properties of the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Etate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation Company which are under the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure which have been identified under stage one to suitable investors.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure to provide following lands/properties on a lease basis to the suitable investors for optimal utilization following the prescribed procurement procedure.
• underutilized lands/properties identified under stage two owned by the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Estate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation
Company,
• The Mawarala watte land and the Tea factory 40.48 hectares in extent, located in Matara District belonging to the Tea Shakthi Fund.
• The underutilized land of 1,541 hectares in extent of Kondachchi Estate is enjoyed by the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation.
The drafting of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has commenced with the objective of equitable distribution of the benefits of the fisheries industry and the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture. This policy has been updated from time to time according to current requirements. However, steps have not been taken to obtain the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for that purpose.
According to the policy declaration of the present government, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’ the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has been redrafted, updating the aforementioned policy in line with the economic and development objectives of the government.
The recommendations of the Department of National Planning have been received for the drafted policy.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Marine
Resources to implement the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, integrating it with other relevant policies.
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Festival advance for government officers to be increased
Providing underutilized lands/properties to suitable investors for optimal utilization.
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