Vishwakarma awards for artisans

By Sureshini Pilapitiya

The National Crafts Council has come up with yet another creative idea of honouring hundred artisans throughout Sri Lanka, who have rendered yeoman service to handicraft by awarding them with the 'Vishwakarma' award.

Conferences will be held annually to encourage and enable more artisans to join who are interested in handicraft

The ceremony was held recently at the National Handicraft Council premises, in a simple but elegant manner . The ceremony was held under the patronage of Chairman of the National Crafts Council, Buddhi Keerthisena, Assistant director of the Ministry of Traditional and Small Industries, Susantha De Silva, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Foundation Prof. Ranjith Bandara, Ajith Alahakoon, Prof. Ranjith Liyanage, GM of the RDB Bank, Representatives of the provincial craft committees and other distinguished guests.

Chairman of the National Crafts Council, Buddhi Keerthisena said the purpose of such an event was to enlighten artisans of the value of handicraft. He said that there were craft bazaars all over India. He requested the government to create a similar place for artisans and tourists.

Craft shops

According to the plan craft shops will be set up in Kurunegala and Kandy district. They will install welfare programs for artisans.

For the past few years it has been a successful program. The elderly, sick and needy artisans who have dedicated their life for craft work will benefit from the venture. These projects are carried under the directions of the President.

Keerthisena said that Rs 40 million were reserved for the last year for the development of the craft council,This year Rs 50 million has been allocated.

This is development, and it has to be done gradually, step by step, he said..

When Keerthisena was appointed as chairman there were only a few officials and a small staff but now it has increased.

The Craft Council also launched a craft map in Sinhala, for the convenience of artisans, local tourists, students and those who are interested in learning more about craft.

Earlier there were no facilities or financial capability even to present awards but today it has changed.

Financial loans

Each year they have increased the cash amount of the prize and hope to increase it even more by next year.

Without financial assistance it is difficult for craftsmen to survive. The RDB Bank has also given financial loans.

The artisans need to get together and the National Craft Council will always be there to help them, Keerthisena said. Susantha De Silva, Assistant director of the Ministry of Traditional and Small Industries said Craft Council's award presentation was with a new concept .

"Vishwakarma " means doing something that anyone else can't do. These talents have been with you for generations. As a ministry we in collaboration with the National Craft Council have got together to take you to international recognition.

I hope this sector will develop even further and that the artisans have the strength and courage to take it to a higher level.

Prof. Ranjith Bandara gave the awards to those who represented the Colombo district.

All these people have come here because they love our culture and tradition, he said. Sri Lanka goes to the world because of the golden hands of these artisans. We imitated western culture while we have our own traditions to be proud of.

Their culture is different. Our clothes, food and names were borrowed from foreign culture. Our tradition is in our hearts.

Do not turn back, because we'll be going back to 1505, when the foreign people invaded us", he further said.

Ajith Alahakoon, GM RD Bank said that they have planned a loan scheme for artisans. One artisan can lend money to another artisan. And there are different financial schemes according to the material that the artisans produce.

Master craftsmen who train newcomers were given certificates. Courses are held every six months and one year. The registration of the artisans were also done according to the schedule.

Keerthisena said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa had rendered ample support for the handicraft industry.

Handicraft villages

This sector was neglected for many years, The President had allocated Rs 100 million in 2012 to promote traditional handicraft villages and he enhanced the facilities of those villages and improved their livelihood.

He developed 11 villages in 2013, from Anuradhapura , Matale, Puttlam and Kandy districts, for palmyrah, clay and lacquer and also other sections.

Plans are afoot to develop 15 villages along with institiutions such as the National Design Centre, in addition to their work.

From 2010 many benefits were given to this sector.

In 2002, Keerthisena did not have the money to uplift this sector. For two years he couldn't give the National awards for craftsmen. Craftsmen who had done such a wonderful job were not appreciated for their hard work.

The prize money of the gold award and are planning to increase it even more .

The government has spent an enormous amount to give awards. Earlier there was no proper programme to send the craftsmen abroad, but now they are having the chance of seeing the other part of the world .

The National Crafts Council is having programs with India, China and Indonesia.