On 22 September 2025, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with the National Crafts Council of Sri Lanka (NCC), hosted a Round Table Discussion on Sri Lankan crafts. The event brought together over 25 participants, including academics from the London College of Fashion (UAL), an expert from the EU Craft Work Project, entrepreneurs, retailers, writers, craft enthusiasts, and representatives from the Sri Lanka–UK Chamber of Commerce and the Friends of Sri Lanka Association. The discussion served as a vibrant platform to exchange ideas, foster collaboration, and promote Sri Lanka’s rich craft heritage on the international stage.
The event was chaired by High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera. In his opening remarks, he highlighted the importance of crafts as a living tradition that embody Sri Lanka’s cultural identity while contributing significantly to livelihoods and exports. He stressed the need to raise awareness, educate enthusiasts, and create stronger commercial channels while preserving authenticity of Sri Lankan crafts.
The keynote presentation was delivered by Chairperson of the National Crafts Council (NCC) and Senior Lecturer at the Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Dr. Ayesha Wickramasinghe. In her address, Dr. Wickramasinghe outlined key initiatives aimed at preserving Sri Lanka’s traditional crafts, fostering innovation, and enhancing access to both local and international markets.
She was accompanied by Senior Lecturer at the Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering, University of Moratuwa, and a member of the NCC Board of Directors, Dr. Sumith Gopura. Their visit to the United Kingdom was made possible through the British Council’s Connections through Culture grant programme, under which they led the project titled “Empowering Handloom Artistry.”
The outcomes of this project were showcased through the “Threaded Heritage” exhibition, held at Cardiff Metropolitan University from 16–18 September 2025, and at the University of Reading on 23 September. Both institutions served as UK-based project partners, contributing to the cross-cultural exchange and promotion of Sri Lankan handloom traditions.
The Q&A session, moderated by Minister (Commercial) Somasena Mahadiulwewa, highlighted challenges including funding, distribution, quality control, skilled craftsmanship, and export barriers such as limited HS codes and difficulties in customs clearance. Participants also stressed the need for stronger international promotion of Sri Lankan crafts.
A display of Threaded Heritage handloom apparel and crafts, showcasing Sri Lankan artistry complemented the event. This Round Table discussion provided a valuable platform to discuss practical challenges facing the arts and crafts industry and the ways in which the NCC intends to address such challenges, collaborating with the participants.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
London
29 September 2025
