Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Wednesday, 4 June 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Designed by Sri Lankan craftsmen under the guidance of Indonesian master designers at the Katubedda workshop, the new cane and bamboo products were displayed at the event.
As the second step of the previous year’s program, the Katubedda workshop was organised by the National Craft Council in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia between 21 and 29 May, with the participation of 22 Sri Lankan craftsmen and master designers from Indonesia.
Harimawan said that this collaboration with Sri Lanka was based on the first joint commission meeting between the two countries in 2012 during which the craft sector was recognised as one of the potential sectors for cooperation and collaboration that need to be developed and explored.
Cane and bamboo are considered non- timber products. These products are popular the world over, have enormous earning potential and are a source of income for poor artisans who have been engaged in this craft for centuries.
It is mostly women who practice these crafts though entire families are sometimes engaged in it as a means of procuring a livelihood in Sri Lanka. Most of the products are made for the local market.
The Ambassador stated that the knowledge and experience that the Sri Lankan craftsmen gain from the workshop will positively affect their professional and personal development. “This year’s program was better than the previous one because this time we had invited three resource persons, with two designers and one sample maker,” he added.
Participants at the workshop from areas such as Monaragala and Hambantota told the Daily FT that they had received great experience under the guidance of the master craftsmen from Indonesia. They studied many of the new designs and products and gathered knowledge on using the latest equipment attached to the bamboo and cane industry under the masters’ training.
“We are planning to sign a collaborative agreement between the two countries under the support of the Ministry of External Affairs to develop the products and technology. We also hope to gain knowledge in Batik designing from Indonesia in the near future,” NCC Chairman Buddhi Keerthisena said.
The 22 craftsmen and women who participated in the workshop and the Indonesian master craft group were awarded with certificates at the event. The National Design Centre Chairman Marshal Janatha and NCC Assistant Secretary Mangalika Adikari were also present at the occasion.
Pix by Upul Abayasekara
