The Impact Center Avenue of ZeroPlastic Colombo Community, based at the University of Colombo, organized Project හස්තසාර (Hasthasara) in collaboration with the National Crafts Council. The grand finale of the project was held on 01 September 2026 at the University of Colombo premises, bringing together local artisans who had created products using sustainable and eco-friendly materials.

The project was organized with the aim of supporting local artisans and promoting sustainable craftsmanship. By focusing on environmentally responsible materials and traditional craft techniques, හස්තසාර sought to provide craftsmen with a platform to showcase their work and gain wider recognition for their skills.

The project centered on a competition among 20 local craftsmen, each of whom created innovative products using sustainable and eco-friendly materials. The grand finale served as the culminating event where the competing artisans presented their creations. A qualified judging panel representing the National Crafts Council evaluated the entries.

The grand finale was attended by Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, and Mr. Nishshanka de Silva, Founder of ZeroPlastic National Movement. Their presence at the event reflected the project’s relevance to both the university community and the broader environmental objectives of the ZeroPlastic Movement. The judging panel drawn from the National Crafts Council brought professional expertise to the assessment of the artisans’ work, lending credibility to the competition and its outcomes.

Through the competition format, හස්තසාර offered local craftsmen an opportunity to demonstrate how traditional craftsmanship can align with environmentally conscious practices. The focus on sustainable materials encouraged artisans to explore methods and resources that reduce reliance on conventional, less environmentally responsible inputs. For the participating craftsmen, the project provided both…