Media Release: State Ministry of Regional Cooperation launches Creative Economy Programme
The State Ministry of Regional Co-operation has launched a “Creative Economy Programme” with
the view towards contributing to the country’s economy and promoting Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.
The ‘creative economy’ is a rapidly expanding segment of the global economy and has made a crucial
contribution towards generating employment, income and exports. Based on creativity, it encompasses
all artistic, innovative and cultural products and services. It is also conducive to sustainable
development.
Recognizing the contribution that regional cooperation could make towards developing the creative
economy in Sri Lanka, State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya launched two
inaugural initiatives under the “Creative Economy Programme” with Indonesia. The initiatives focus
on the development of the batik industry in Sri Lanka and the promotion of the country’s unique
architectural heritage.
The project to enhance Sri Lankan batiks has been launched in collaboration with the State Ministry
of Batik, Fabric and Local Apparel Products, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Indonesia, the private sector
batik manufacturers and SMESCO of the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperatives
of Indonesia. The objective of this initiative is to obtain Indonesian expertise to introduce new
techniques to improve and develop the industry and to promote Sri Lanka’s batik products abroad.
This initiative will also serve to generate employment, particularly to rural women and contribute to
the export sector.
The second initiative seeks to promote Sri Lanka’s architectural heritage abroad. In this regard, a tour
by some of Indonesia’s most prominent architects is planned to study the country’s architecture,
including the renowned works of Geoffrey Bawa and his “tropical modernism” style. This initiative,
while enhancing cultural cooperation, also seeks to build linkages between the architecture fraternities
of the two countries and promote tourism.
Virtual discussions were held last week between Sri Lanka and Indonesia on these two initiatives.
CEO of SMESCO Indonesia Leonard Theosobrata, as well as leading Indonesian architects
participated at the event. State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya, Ambassador of
Sri Lanka to Indonesia Yasoja Gunasekera, Director General of the State Ministry of Regional
Cooperation Savitri Panabokke and representatives from the batik and architecture fields were among
those who participated at the meeting.
State Ministry of Regional Cooperation
Colombo
18 May, 2021
