The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing in collaboration with the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR), organized a Sri Lankan Handicrafts Day at the INBAR Pavilion in the Horticultural Expo 2019 in Yanqing, Beijing on 08 August 2019.
The event was attended by the Deputy Director General of INBAR, Sri Lankans living in China, Foreign nationals, as well as Diplomats.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku highlighted the cooperation between Sri Lanka and INBAR after Sri Lanka became its member in 2000. Further, Ambassador stated that, since Sri Lanka depends only on natural plantation, the benefit of bamboo plant is not fully utilized. He also mentioned that the planned bamboo plantation contributes immensely to national economy. Deputy Director General of INBAR, Professor Lu Wenming, mentioned that INBAR and Sri Lanka have carried out a number of joint-activities in the fields of environmental protection and green economy development. Further, he extended INBAR’s continued support for the development of bamboo and rattan industry in all member countries including Sri Lanka.
The event featured the exhibition of Sri Lankan handicrafts, a Batik and Handloom costume show, and screening of a documentary on Sri Lankan handicrafts. A majority of the models who participated in the Batik and Handloom costume show was from Pakistan,Vietnam, Ghana and China. The objective of this item was to let them experience Sri Lankan batik and handloom and to express their views on the material, colour combination, designs and patterns of the dresses in front of the audience. This item received high attraction by the audience.
A Demonstration of Vesak lantern making with the use of Sri Lankan bamboo was a major attraction among children, since it also given them the opportunity to participate in the event.
