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), marking a significant international recognition for Sri Lanka’s handicraft sector.
This prestigious membership elevation follows a rigorous review conducted by the WCC AISBL Membership Sub-Committee and formal endorsement by the WCC AISBL Board, and represents a major milestone for LAKARCADE in its ongoing mission to preserve Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage while promoting handmade excellence on the global stage.
As a National Entity Member, LAKARCADE now joins an elite international network of craft practitioners, designers, cultural institutions, and advocates dedicated to advancing traditional and contemporary crafts worldwide.
LAKARCADE CEO and Managing Director Anil Koswatte said the elevation is a landmark moment for both the organisation and Sri Lanka’s craft industry as a whole, noting that it reinforces the company’s commitment to uplifting artisan communities and ensuring that the craftsmanship of rural masters is recognised and celebrated within a global framework, while also supporting a sustainable future for handmade excellence through active engagement in WCC initiatives.
WCC AISBL Deputy Secretary General and Treasurer Girija Sudhakaran stated that the application was approved following a comprehensive evaluation process and highlighted the organisation’s contribution to the dialogue between material culture, heritage, and contemporary practice, noting its strong alignment with the mission and values of WCC AISBL.
Through this membership, LAKARCADE will actively contribute to global craft development initiatives by preserving traditional craft techniques and cultural heritage through participation in international programmes, uplifting artisan communities through collaboration aimed at empowering livelihoods and promoting sustainability, and expanding global engagement by representing Sri Lanka at international forums, exhibitions, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
The announcement follows LAKARCADE’s participation at the second Edition of the World Crafts Forum held in Kuwait City in February, 2026, which carried the theme “Connecting the World, Shaping the Future” and focused on the role of crafts in the creative economy and socio-economic resilience.
LAKARCADE reaffirmed its commitment to its vision of “Preserving Heritage” and said it looks forward to the collaborative opportunities this international partnership will create in showcasing the finest Sri Lankan craftsmanship to the world.
LAKARCADE is Sri Lanka’s premier provider of authentic gifts and souvenirs, was recently awarded the prestigious Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award. This global accolade places the store in the top 10% of attractions and hospitality businesses worldwide, based on consistently excellent reviews from international travelers.
