India-Sri Lanka "Shilpa Kala", an exhibition cum sale of traditional handicrafts and textiles, for "Sangam: Festival of India in Sri Lanka 2015-2016" will be held from March 23 to 27. This was announced by the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka.

Shilpa Kala will showcase the best of traditional handicrafts from both countries. It will also emphasize the confluence of cultures that underlie the handicrafts traditions in both India and Sri Lanka.

Handicrafts from India being showcased include Kashmiri embroidery, Saris, batik, bandhini fabrics, silver and bead jewellery, silver and copperware, papier-mâché, and wood carvings. There will be demonstration of bangle making. Henna artists will be available to apply henna.

Sri Lankan artists will display jute, embroidery and batik fabrics, wood and cane work, masks, lace, toys, ceramic and clay articles.

There will also be Indian food stalls.

The Exhibition is being funded by Investment and Technology Promotion Division of Ministry of External Affairs of India. Other partners are Dastkari Haat Samiti of India and Hands of Sri Lanka, National Arts and C0rafts Foundation of Sri Lanka.

During the Exhibition, other events that will be held include, a buyers-sellers meet with Indian artisans on March 24, and a workshop on "Marketing of Traditional Handicrafts" on March 25.

The exhibition will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Mihilaka Medura, BMICH, Colombo.