Concessions for wood and clay based handicraftsmen

CONCESSION: Environment and Natural Resources Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka has decided to grant several long awaited concessions and relief to handicraftsmen engaged in the production of wood and clay based handicraft products.

This follows a written request by Rural Industries and Self-Employment Promotion Minister S. B. Nawinna and a subsequent meeting National Crafts Council (NCC) Chairman, Buddhi Keerthisena had with Minister Ranawaka

 at his Ministry recently.

The National Crafts Council said following these discussions the Environment Minister decided to allow Forest Range Officers to issue handicraftsmen licences to transport timber from forest reserves on submission of the Timber Corporation permit and the identity card issued by the NCC. In future they need not go from pillar to post to obtain such transport licences.

Minister Ranawaka also agreed to reserve timber stocks on an annual basis for the NCC and amend legislation to permit the setting up of wood workshops within a distance of one aeronautical kilometre from the forest reserves.

Minister Ranawaka also agreed to release land to the NCC for the cultivation of raw material (trees) once NCC notified the areas and the extent of land needed. The Environment Ministry would provide plants for the planting and the NCC would have to undertake the maintenance of the lands cultivated in this matter.

Minister Ranawaka also agreed to issue permits for the transport of rush and reed from the cultivation areas to handicraftsmen.

Minister Ranawaka also directed his Ministry officials to implement these decisions without delay by getting the relevant Departments and Corporations to issue gazette notifications and circulars.