"Shilpa Kala' on show at Mihilaka Medura

As a part of ‘Sangam: Festival of India in Sri Lanka,’ a five-day exhibition of traditional handicrafts and textiles titled ‘India-Sri Lanka Shilpa Kala’ was inaugurated on Wednesday at Mihilaka Medura, BMICH. It was organised by the High Commission of India, Colombo in collaboration with the Investment and Technology Promotion Division, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The exhibition is on till 27 March from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The exhibition was inaugurated by State Minister of International Trade Sujeewa Senasinghe, High Commissioner of India Y.K. Sinha and National Arts and Crafts Foundation Chairman Buddhi Keerthisena. ‘Shilpa Kala’ is showcasing the best of traditional handicrafts from both countries, emphasising on the confluence of cultures that underlie the handicrafts traditions in both India and Sri Lanka. Handicrafts from India being showcased include Kashmiri embroidery, saris, batik, silver and bead jewellery, silver and copperware, papier-mâché, bandhini fabrics, and wood carvings, along with a demonstration of bangle making, while henna artists are available to apply henna. Sri Lankan artists are displaying jute, wood and cane work, masks, lace, toys, ceramic and clay articles, embroidery and batik fabrics. The exhibition is being funded by the Investment and Technology Promotion Division of the Ministry of External Affairs of India. Other partners are Dastkari Haat Samiti of India and Hands of Sri Lanka, National Arts and Crafts Foundation of Sri Lanka – Pix by Shehan Gunasekera