The local handicrafts industry has shown a slight slump in recent times mainly due to the dip in tourism.
According to the National Crafts Council (NCC) Chairman Buddi Keerthisena, handicrafts industry performs simultaneously with the Tourism industry and tourists have been the main buyers of the local handicraft products.
The NCC has taken steps to promote handicrafts among general public and the handicrafts exhibition held recently at the Viharamahadevi Park was an initiative towards that.
"We wanted to test the local demand for handicrafts and it was really good. The exhibitors were able to sell most of their products," said Keerthisena speaking to The Island Financial Review.
Meanwhile, NCC intends to have a number of craft fairs in the future in a bid to provide the handicrafts producers with a good market.
The next handicrafts fair is to be held in the National Arts Gallery form August 18-21, and it is expected to showcase the quality handicrafts produced by rural craftsmen.
"The country has talented craftsmen but they are unable to find the potential market and these exhibitions will be helpful to them," said Keerthisena.
The NCC supports the handicrafts industry by providing infrastructure facilities, raw material, marketing places in order to improve the industry.
