The participants had in-depth exchanges with practitioners in the communities, applying the skills and knowledge learned during the workshop to gain a comprehensive understanding of the elements. Notably, traditional woodcarving craftsmanship and copper product craftsmanship have been transmitted in Sri Lanka for hundreds of years. The relevant communities have been cooperating with Buddhist temples to repair or decorate temple buildings. However, both crafts are now facing the dilemma of a lack of transmitters and practitioners. Mr. Sunil, a member of the copper product craftsmanship communities, said that the town practicing this element in Kandy has a history of over 400 years. The number of households engaged in this element has gradually decreased from over 400 to 200 and now only 30 remain. With the development of urbanization, more and more young people are choosing to work in cities, resulting in a decrease in practitioners and apprentices. The viability of the element is at risk, and urgent safeguarding and government support are needed.

This workshop is the first session of a three-year training programme designed by CRIHAP for Sri Lanka and marks the beginning of the promotion of ICH safeguarding in Sri Lanka under the framework of the Convention. The participants will use the knowledge they have learned to document and inventory ICH elements in the Central province of Sri Lanka, forming a database to strengthen monitoring of the viability of these elements.