Jathika Shilpa Sabha employees made permanent

By Sureshni Pilapitiya

A temporory employee being given her letter of permanency

A section of the audience

Sixty one employees who had been working on a relief, temporary and voluntary basis received letters of permanency at a ceremony held at the Shilpa Sabha head office in Battaramulla recently, under the patronage of Buddhi Keerthisena, Chairman, Jathika Shilpa Sabha . (National Crafts Council-NCC ). A spokesman told the Sunday Observer that the Government contributed to the welfare of the handicraft sector. Funds were allocated for the development of handicraft. Sometime ago they were struggling to hold their exhibitions.

The Government was spending millions for such exhibitions.

The Jathika Shilpa Sabha also handed over air tickets to eight craftsmen who were due to represent Sri Lanka at the handicraft exhibition and workshop, in Kathmandu, Nepal, from 22-27 November .

The exhibition is held among countries of the South Asian region. A summit will also be held among South Asian countries . Craftsmen representing various sections of craftswork will participate in the exhibition showcasing their products. Keerthisena handed over air tickets to the craftsmen.

Sri Lankan craftsmen will get an opportunity to learn new designs, export and sale of products, and work together in these areas. Keerthisena said,

"This was an opportunity for them to see the world. Our craftsmen will have an opportunity to meet craftsmen from other countries and exchange ideas".

The Sunday Observer spoke to some of the staff who received appointment letters . R. K. K Wickramasinghe of Middeniya, Hambanthota, said that she was happy that she was permanent. The rural industrial sector is handled by underprivileged families. They were thankful to President Mahinda Rajapaksa for making them permanent.

U.K Pubudu Rukmani, from Galle says, that she was not a permanent employee and she wished to thank officials of the Jathika Shilpa Sabha and also the President for making them permanent. Pushpa Sarojini from Kuriyakotuwa said that she too was happy about the appointment and wished to thank officials including Ananda Jayasinghe and will give of her best to the NCC. Chandani Silva , of the Government Institution Maggona said " from my school days I was interested in this industry.I was educated at this institution and obtained my knowledge in handicraft. I hope to give my best to the institution."

According to M.V Ajantha Muthugala from Kurunegala, she said, " I worked here for five years. We appreciate the help that we got from the Jathika Shilpa Sabha and we hope to give our best ".

Sanjeewani Dissanayake of Kegalle said that she worked for several years on a voluntary basis and was happy to be made permanent.