The theme of ‘Taste and Craft Ella 2026’ Certificate Awarding Ceremony was successfully held on 27 February 2026 at the Auditorium of the Ella Pradeshiya Sabha from 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m., with the participation of government officials, trainees, community representatives, and invited guests.
The ceremony commenced with the arrival of the Hon. Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, Mr. Samantha Vidyarathna, who was warmly welcomed and escorted to the ceremony hall. The traditional lighting of the oil lamp followed, symbolizing the official opening of the event.
The welcome address was delivered by the Hon. Chairman of the Ella Pradeshiya Sabha, Mr. Venura Malinda Dissanayake, who highlighted the importance of promoting palmyra-based industries and strengthening livelihood opportunities within local communities.
Mr. R. Raveendran, Chairman of the Palmyra Development Board, addressed the gathering and emphasized the role of the Board in supporting the development, promotion, and sustainability of palmyra-based products and industries across the country.
A cultural performance presented by the Dowa Gauri Art Academy added a vibrant cultural element to the event. Subsequently, Mr. K.S. Wijayakirthi, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, delivered a speech highlighting the Ministry’s commitment to promoting community-based industries and strengthening rural economic development.
The Hon. Deputy Minister of Tourism and Member of Parliament for the Badulla District, Mr. Ruwan Ranasinghe, also addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of integrating local industries with tourism development initiatives.
Another cultural performance followed, after which Mrs. Gayani Kokila, Secretary of the Thal Arana Society and a trainee, shared her experiences and expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided through the training programme.
Remarks were also delivered by the Hon. Governor of the Uva Province, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Kapila Jayasekara, who commended the initiative for empowering communities and promoting traditional industries.
During the ceremony, certificates were awarded to trainees who successfully completed the training programme, and essential equipment was distributed to support their future activities.
The Hon. Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, Mr. Samantha Vidyarathna, delivered a special address, encouraging participants to utilize the knowledge and skills gained to expand palmyra-based enterprises and contribute to local economic development.
A special moment of the ceremony was the presentation of a book authored by Miss Y.R.P. Madhuwanthi to the Hon. Minister Samantha Vidyarathna.
The event concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by the Vice Chairperson of the Ella Pradeshiya Sabha, Mrs. Niranjala Thilakarathna, expressing appreciation to all organizers, guests, and participants who contributed to the success of the programme.
In addition to the main ceremony, a two-day open stall exhibition showcasing North & Eastern regional palmyrah-related products, Kithul related products and Cashew based products was organized along Passara Road in Ella from 27 to 28 February 2026. The exhibition provided an opportunity for local producers and trainees to display and promote a variety of palmyra-based products to visitors and tourists in the area.
