Sri Lanka initiates insurance scheme for local craftspeople

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce announced a free insurance facility for the historic crafts and handicraft sectors recently.

Addressing those gathered at the Shilpa Abhimani 2019 Presidential Handicraft Award Ceremony at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen said: “In phase one of this project, 5,000 Sri Lankan craftsmen will annually receive free insurance cover. This is the first time in Sri Lanka’s history that our craftsmen get insurance cover, that too free of charge.”


Showcasing the collective and creative talents of Sri Lanka’s craftspeople, the event organised by the National Crafts Council (NCC) also provided a platform to honour artists and craftspeople for their outstanding creations.

“Very soon, there will be demands by our craft sector to start work with the latest technological advancements. New technologies such as 3D printing and laser operated design setups can help our craftsmen to go global much faster,” added the minister, who pointed to the market opportunities and future prospects that this trade offers.

Furthermore, it was noted that a new project would commence to establish District Craft Councils (DCCs) in Sri Lanka for the first time in NCC’s 35 year history.