• 20.03.2025 - 19:47

As part of its ongoing initiatives to commemorate International Women’s Day, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara successfully hosted an exhibition cum sale event on14th March 2025, in collaboration with the “Ankara Olgunlaşma Enstitüsü” organization, under the Ministry of National Education of Türkiye.

The organization Olgunlaşma Enstitüsü, are in existence for decades since independence in all the Provinces in Türkiye, including in Ankara, with female artisans being trained to produce high quality intricate traditional arts and crafts, ensuring continuity.

The event was a highlight of the Embassy’s International Women’s Day celebrations, attracting over 100 guests throughout the day, including diplomats, government officials, Turkish business leaders, and supporters of cultural diplomacy and those who support female entrepreneurship.

The opening ceremony was honoured by the presence of H.E. Celile Eren Ökten, Deputy Minister of National Education of Türkiye, who underscored the importance of supporting women-led craftsmanship and fostering deeper cultural exchanges between Türkiye and Sri Lanka.

The exhibition showcased an impressive collection of exquisite, handmade Turkish products, crafted by talented women artisans from the Ankara Olgunlaşma Enstitüsü, highlighting their dedication to sustaining traditional artistic expressions.

Throughout the event, guests explored and acquired unique handcrafted textiles, ceramics, and traditional artwork, each reflecting Türkiye’s rich artisanal heritage. More than just an exhibition, the event also served as a platform for strengthening business and diplomatic ties, with members of Türkiye’s business community expressing a keen interest in supporting women entrepreneurs in the traditional arts and crafts.

By organizing this exhibition as part of its International Women’s Day initiatives, the Embassy of Sri Lanka reaffirms its unwavering commitment to women’s economic empowerment, cultural diplomacy, and thereby contributing to strengthen Sri Lanka-Türkiye relations.

This initiative stands as a testament to the shared commitment of Sri Lanka and Türkiye to preserve traditional crafts and create sustainable opportunities for women artisans, in line with the global movement to empower women and celebrate their invaluable contributions to society, in the month of celebrating International Women’s Day.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka/Ankara  

18th March 2025