Program to develop handicraft in villages

A programme to develop traditional handicraft in villages has been launched by the National Crafts Council (NCC).

Around 29 villages have been selected for the program this year, the NCC said.

Under this program facilities will be provided to develop the villages during the next two years.

The facilities include the introduction of new technology, designs and model creation in keeping with current market demand for new machinery and equipment, attitudinal development, infusing management know-how, setting up of common facility centres and workshops.

Roads would be developed and electricity, water and other infrastructure facilities will be provided to the villages.

The reservation of land to set up centres in the selected villages is done through the relevant Grama Niladharis. The villages selected to develop handicraft arefrom Anuradhapura, Moneragala, Badulla, Kegalla, Matale, Ratnapura, Gampaha, Matara, Kurunegala and Puttalam districts.