Bringing a rare distinction to the Sri Lankan handicraft industry, Lakarcade, Sri Lanka’s leading destination for authentic gifts and souvenirs, has been officially appointed as a National Entity Member of the World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC-International).
This prestigious membership elevation follows a rigorous review conducted by the WCC AISBL Membership Sub-Committee and formal endorsement by the WCC AISBL Board.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for Lakarcade in its continued mission to preserve Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and promote handmade excellence on the global stage. As a National Entity Member, Lakarcade joins an elite international network of craft practitioners, designers, cultural institutions, and advocates dedicated to advancing traditional and contemporary crafts worldwide.
This announcement follows Lakarcade’s recent participation in the 2nd Edition of the World Crafts Forum held in Kuwait City from February 1 to 3, 2026. The forum, themed “Connecting the World, Shaping the Future,” focused on the role of crafts in the creative economy and socio-economic resilience.
Lakarcade CEO and Managing Director Anil Koswatte said: “This elevation to National Entity Member status is a landmark achievement for our organisation and for the Sri Lankan craft industry as a whole. It reinforces our commitment to uplifting artisan communities and ensures that the craftsmanship of our rural masters is recognised and celebrated within a global framework. We look forward to actively engaging in the Council’s future initiatives to create a sustainable future for handmade excellence.”
WCC AISBL Secretariat Deputy Secretary General and Treasurer Girija Sudhakaran officially welcomed Lakarcade to the organisation, noting that the application was approved following a comprehensive evaluation process.
“We greatly appreciate your interest in contributing to the dialogue between material culture, heritage, and contemporary practice — a vision that aligns closely with the mission and values of WCC AISBL,” Sudhakaran stated.
Through this membership, Lakarcade will actively contribute to global craft development initiatives, including participating in international efforts to safeguard traditional craft techniques and cultural heritage. The company also aims to uplift artisan communities by collaborating on programmes that promote sustainable livelihoods, while increasing global engagement through representation at international forums, exhibitions, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
