The National Cratfs Council (NCC) in its Handicarfts Promotional Programme has selected 8 professional handicrafts artistes for an Indian tour in recognition of their services to the industry.

Prime Minister Ranasiri Wickremanayaka handed over the air tickets to the artistes for the Indian tour, National Crafts Council said.

NCC Development Assistant Ms. Geethani Weeratunge told The Island Financial Review that the NCC was grateful to Cylinco Chairman Lalith Kothalawala for providing air tickets to the artistes and the handicrafts artistes would be able to update their expertise in handicraft making.

She said that Presidential Award winner D.B.Premaratne bronze-carving in the Central province, Presidential Awards winner Asoka Padmasiri for Dumbara-Rata in the Central province, M.A.Nayna Prabath Western province, Manel Madawala textile handicrafts, K.G.Premalatha Sesath Central province, K.B.Lilaseele Beeralu lace Southern province, G.Indika Udayanga wood-carvings, Southern province, Jeevanee Prasanga Weerasinghe wood-carvings Uva province would be touring India from September 1 to 7 and their tour would be of vital importance to the future of the handicrafts industry in Sri Lanka.