Built in 1965 by one of the former Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka, the Arts and Crafts village in Kandy, is a village built for the local craftsmen in the area to showcase their artwork. The craft village is situated 10 kilometers off the main city of Kandy.
The manufacturing of crafts in the village has a long history – dating back to the times of the Colonial British Era in Sri Lanka. It can be said that even back in the day, families would visit this original village or stop by on their way to Kandy to purchase various crafts.
However, with the arrival of alternative commercialized imported products into the current market, and the younger generations of these craft families moving away from the industry is posing a threat to the continuity of this village’s long heritage. Despite all the challenges faced, the demand for their handmade one-of-a-king products remain alive due to the sheer willpower and dedication of those involved in the industry.
