Sunday Times 2
An authentic adventure
Even at first glance it clearly stands out as not being a typical map of Sri Lanka. Perhaps it is in the loud bursts of blues and oranges or Jagath Jayasuriya’s distinctly authentic artwork that compel the casual observer to take a closer look. Launched last week, Dr. Buddhi Keerthisena and the National Crafts Council of Sri Lanka are proud to introduce the first crafts map of the island.
The craft map being presented to President Mahinda Rajapaksa
An interesting venture to say the least, Chairman of the NCC Dr. Keerthisena, first came upon the concept of a crafts map on a trip to India where the Dastkari haat Samiti had created such maps for the different regions of India focusing on each region’s cultural identity. “I had an idea of doing it over the last three years,” he says.
Ideally tourist-friendly, the crafts map is one that can fit into a pocket or be used as a wall hanging. Providing information on indigenous art and crafts, it is in simple language and clear of heavy detail. “When tourists come they want to buy souvenirs,” Dr. Keerthisena says, explaining that the idea behind the map is to let tourists discover the best places to make their purchases while visiting the regions authentic to the craft without being subjected to touts and guides. This initiative also extends touristic importance to all areas of the island instead of only the commercial hubs.
While one side elucidates age-old lace-making industries and the origins behind puppetry in Ambalangoda, a quick turn highlights many tourist hotspots of the island. Set against the backdrop of elephants in a jungle this side provides comprehensive, useful information on places such as Wilpattu National Park, Polonnaruwa, Hikkaduwa, Kandy, Kataragama and Kalpitiya among many other places of interest that would grab the attention of holidaymakers, both local and foreign and even students.
Written by Edwin Ariyadasa with illustrations by Jagath Jayasuriya, the NCC hopes to release the map in both Sinhala and Tamil. Iit was produced with the support of the India Sri Lanka Foundation and will be available to the public next week.