The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Sri Lanka, in partnership with the Export Development Board (EDB), launched a pioneering initiative to position Sri Lankan craft products in the international marketplace—the Creative Sri Lanka 2030: Matchmaking Pilot Program 2025. This transformative initiative aims to connect Sri Lanka’s rich craft heritage with the international market, fostering global opportunities for local brands and designers.
The launching ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Mr.Chaminda Pathiraja, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; HE Bonnie Horbach, Ambassador, Netherlands Embassy in Sri Lanka; Mr. Lars Bredal, Charge d’affaires a.i, Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives; Ms. Caroline Lopes, Deputy, Political, Press and Information Section, Delegation of the European Union; Mr. Orlando Edwards, Country Head, British Council – Sri Lanka; Dr. (Ms.) Ayesha Wickramasinghe, Chairperson, National Crafts Council; Mr. Sisira Amarabandu, Chairman, National Design Centre; Mrs. Sujeeva Senanayake, Chairperson, Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board; Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer; Ms. Cécile Hoorelbeke, Directress – Alliance Française de Colombo, Coordinator of the Alliances Françaises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives; and Ms. Mihaela Rutjens, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Embassy of Romania, Mr. Arcidiacono Alberto, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Italy in Sri Lanka