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by Asanga Warnakulasuriya

Silpa 2002, a National Festival of Handicraft and Tourism will be held from October 27 to 30 at the BMICH. Islandwide craftsmen and women will participate in this national event to display their skills and talents to the nation. "This will be the first event of this nature in three years", said the Chairman of the National Crafts Council, Buddhi Keerthisena.

The logo for the forthcoming Silpa 2002 was launched on Monday at the Galle Face Hotel followed by a ceremony. Minister of Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, Prof. G.L. Peiris said "Development of small industries is vital for the development of the economy in a country." The inborn talents among Sri Lankans for creativity will make the task of developing industries, specially the handicraft industry a much easier task for the government, the minister said. He said that low interest capital will be provided to handicraftsmen to develop their industries into international level.

An exhibition of creativity, talent and skill, Silpa 2002 will also include an awards ceremony to evaluate the skills of craftsmen. The apex body in promoting handicrafts in Sri Lanka, the National Craft Council (NCC) together with the Ministry of Enterprise, Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion and the Ministry of Tourism have focused on several objectives in organising this national event. Among the objectives are to create a forum for craftsmen and women of the industry, to bring the whole handicraft industry under one roof, to provide opportunities for those dependent on this industry and to educate the public about Sri Lanka's culture and tradition.

The tourism sector, namely hotels, travel agents, airlines, in-bound and out-bound tour operators will be involved in Silpa 2002 and it would also highlight tourism locations among the eight provinces.

Minister of Tourism Gamini Lokuge, Chairman of NCC, Buddhi Keerthisena, Tourist Board Chairman, Paddy Vithana and Director Editorial, Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL), Bandula Padmakumara were also present.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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