Jaffna Artistes & Engada Spot: Pushing for Art's Role in Economic Revival 🎨

• Feature highlights Jaffna youth artists and the cultural-entrepreneurial space "Engada Spot" in Manipay, emphasizing the need to integrate art and artistes into Sri Lanka’s national economy. • The central argument is that art is a core component of the national economy and vital for nurturing the tourism sector beyond mere infrastructure. • Policy/Financial Gaps: Artists report a critical lack of formal recognition by banking and financial lending institutions, which do not offer loans/support to painters, musicians, etc., unlike traditional entrepreneurs. • Northern artists feel isolated and observe greater patronage from foreigners/expatriate Sri Lankans than from local buyers. • Entrepreneurship Cases: • Engada Spot: 8-month-old, art-infused café initiated by architect Karikalan Rishivarman, serving as a dedicated networking niche for Northern artists. • Demithran (Demi Art Creations): Chose art over well-paid IT job offers to pursue art professionally. • Pirunthajini (Art by Piruntha): Established her own gallery in Kokuvil, despite challenges like initial roof leaks damaging work.