After the successful and pioneering training for Sri Lanka’s bamboo craftsmen in early 2019 and later in June, the third phase of the program was launched in Colombo on Wednesday 17 July.
The internationally recognized Italian product designer, Giulio Vinaccia is scheduled to join the parallel design sessions held along with July 17 sessions.
The bamboo industry workshop launched by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in early 2019, introduces international bamboo craft expertise for local artisans for the first time.
The "Bamboo Processing Sri Lanka" project launched by UNIDO and funded by Global Environment Facility (GEF) is done in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
The three-phase training program –of which the third commences on 17 July- is part of this "Bamboo Processing Sri Lanka"' project to develop Sri Lanka's bamboo supply chain and product industry.
Training sessions of July 17 too will be guided by URAVU India (India’s Indigenous Science & Technology Study Centre).
As an essential step of this project, UNIDO, in collaboration with the Industrial Development Board (IDB) under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, has launched the bamboo training program in early 2019.
The objective of the training program was to build the local capacities and transfer the necessary knowledge needed to work with bamboo, develop the sector, and create an eco-friendly practice in bamboo processing.
The first training held in January 2019 focused on sharing knowledge on “Bamboo Preservation and Treatment Methods,” which allowed beneficiaries to learn the skills of preservation while launching a value-added product to the market.
The second training held in June 2019 focused on sharing knowledge on “Basic Bamboo Handcraft Techniques.” The objective was to build a fundamental understanding of bamboo handcrafts and technology.
Following the first two successful workshops, UNIDO and IDB have decided to continue building local capacities by leading the next step in bamboo processing knowledge. The third workshop that commences on 17th July focuses entirely on “Bamboo Product and Furniture Making” -to build an industrial approach to bamboo product and furniture making. The training which starts on 17th will conclude on the 27th July 2019 at IDB premises, Ratmalana.
(LI)