SHILPA 2011 to boost traditional industry opens

The seventh Shilpa 2011 National Exhibition and the Trade Fair kicked off yesterday at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Exhibition Centre of the BMICH and will run until 30 October.

The exhibition has been organised by the Ministry of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprises with the objective of finding markets and introducing foreign buyers for the small and medium scale industrialist.

Minister Douglas Devananda said that the traditional industries in the North and East which destroyed by the terrorist aggression have now been revived and this exhibition will provide a strong impetus for the government’s plan to strengthen these industries. He said that as per the guidance of President Mahinda Rajapakse, several steps have been taken to improve the traditional and cottage industry in the country and this sector will play a vital role for the contribution in the coming years. He said that it is the objective to upgrade 5,000 small industries to the grade of medium scale industries and 200 medium level industries to the level of large industries.

Deputy Minister Weerakumara Dissanayake said that the forthcoming exhibition will not only find new markets for the industrialists but will also provide an opportunity to assess their productions. Accordingly, he said, that they will be rewarded with certificates and cash prizes.

The Secretary to the Ministry P. Shivagnanasothy said that about 1,500 products under 34 categories will be exhibited at this exhibition. He said that these products will include tourist oriented handicraft, traditional industrial items, palmyrah products, cashew products, pottery and many other items.