Reported Journalist:Zamil Shafeek
Analytical Report on the Official Meeting between Dr.Ali Kebriaei Zadeh, The Cultural Counselor of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Chairperson of the National Crafts Council of Sri Lanka
An official meeting was held on 17 June 2026 at the headquarters of the National Crafts Council of Sri Lanka, during which the Cultural Counselor of the Islamic Republic of Iran met with Dr. Ayesha Wickrama Singhe, Chairperson of the Council, to exchange views on existing capacities and potential avenues for bilateral cooperation in the field of handicrafts.
At the outset of the meeting, the Chairperson of the National Crafts Council presented a comprehensive overview of the Council’s mission, functions, and development programs. According to the presentation, the Council operates under the Ministry of industry and entrepreneurship development of Sri Lanka and is responsible for policymaking, support, and the promotion of the handicrafts sector at the national level.
With an extensive network of branches across all nine provinces of the country, the Council is active in 31 specialized fields and 67 related handicraft sub-sectors, playing a significant role in empowering artisans, creating sustainable employment opportunities, and safeguarding the nation’s cultural heritage.During the meeting, the Cultural Counselor of the Islamic Republic of Iran provided a comprehensive overview of Iran’s handicrafts sector, highlighting the country’s exceptional artistic diversity, rich historical heritage, and the important contribution of handicrafts to Iran’s cultural economy.
He emphasized that handicrafts represent not only an economic activity but also a fundamental component of national identity and an effective instrument of cultural diplomacy. In this regard, he underscored the importance of utilizing this valuable capacity to further strengthen cultural engagement between Iran and Sri Lanka.The substantive discussions focused on identifying common areas of cooperation and developing practical initiatives to advance bilateral collaboration.
The principal areas of agreement included
Organizing joint handicrafts exhibitions showcasing the artistic and cultural capacities of Iran and Sri Lanka
Promoting mutual participation in seminars, conferences, and specialized forums related to handicrafts in both countries
Conducting training workshops and facilitating the exchange of expertise between artists, craftsmen, and specialists
Expanding institutional cooperation aimed at establishing sustainable frameworks for long-term cultural and artistic collaboration.On the sidelines of the meeting, the Iranian delegation also visited the National Handicrafts Museum of Sri Lanka.
The visit provided an opportunity to gain deeper insight into Sri Lanka’s artistic achievements in the handicrafts sector and reaffirmed the significance of handicrafts as an expression of cultural identity and an effective medium for fostering intercultural dialogue.
This meeting may be regarded as a strategic step toward strengthening cultural diplomacy, enhancing artistic exchanges, and creating sustainable mechanisms for cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Sri Lanka in the field of handicrafts. With systematic follow-up and continued engagement, it has the potential to pave the way for structured and long-term partnerships between the two countries.
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