We could never have imagined, even in our thoughts, that you would design your handicrafts with such innovation. We take pride that such innovative thinkers exist in our Northern Province, said the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province N. Vethanayahan.
The Provincial Handicraft Exhibition and Awards Ceremony – 2026, organized to showcase the traditional handicraft arts of the Northern Province and the talents of its artisans and to encourage their creativity, was held today – on Friday 18 September 2026, at the Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre in Jaffna.
The event, jointly organized by the Provincial Department of Industries of the Northern Province, the Indian Consulate in Jaffna and the Department of Handloom Industries, was attended by the Northern Province Hon. Governor N. Vethanayahan as Chief Guest.
Visiting the exhibition, the Governor personally viewed the various handicrafts on display and engaged with the artisans who created them, inquiring about their creative endeavours.
Speaking further as Chief Guest, the Governor noted that he had previously visited various exhibitions from different fields in the Northern Province. He remarked that each time, the people continue to create and display items in innovative and distinctive ways.
The Hon. Governor observed that repetition of the same subject matter and the same methods can lead to monotony, but noted that each of the handicrafts displayed here had been created with innovative thinking and uniqueness that captivates viewers.
“I take pride that such skilled artisans and innovative thinkers exist in our Northern Province,” the Governor further stated.
He noted that today’s event was not merely an exhibition, but also served as a platform for creating market opportunities for handicrafts, an opportunity to build new connections and an occasion that opens new avenues for marketing these products.
The Governor extended heartfelt congratulations, on behalf of the people of the Northern Province, to all those who achieved success at national and provincial-level competitions, and wished them continued growth in their talents.
Noting that the tourism sector in the Northern Province is developing progressively, the Governor stated that such traditional handicrafts have the potential to attract tourists. He further noted that the Northern Province Tourism Bureau would take steps to create appropriate opportunities for artisans to market their products to tourists.
While viewing today’s exhibition, the Governor also referred to a matter raised with him by Sri Sai Murali, Consul General of the Indian Consulate in Jaffna. He noted that although artisans invest their personal labour into creating exceptional handicrafts, their prices have been set too low.
The Governor therefore urged the artisans to recognize the true value of their labour and creativity, and to set appropriately higher prices for their handicrafts.
At the outset of the event, guests were welcomed, followed by the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp. This was followed by a welcome dance, welcome address and special remarks along with cultural performances. Subsequently, an awards ceremony was held, honouring and presenting awards to those who had made outstanding contributions to the handicraft sector.
The event was also attended by Sri Sai Murali, Consul General of the Indian Consulate in Jaffna; Mrs. Thanuja Murugeson, Chief Secretary of the Northern Province; and Mrs. Ezhilarasi Anton Yoganayagam, Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Women’s Affairs – Northern Province, as special guests.
