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By Channa Kasturisinghe

The Design Centre set up by Dale Research and Development Services (Pvt) Ltd. in Colombo is a model for the country's apparel sector towards improving their standards to face the challenge of the post 2005 era, Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion Minister Prof. G.L Peiris said.

Speaking at the opening of the Design Centre the Minister said the country's apparel sector need not have any fears about the phasing out of the quota system if they are innovative enough to invest in ventures targeting niche markets.

"The Apparel industry accounts for 53 percent of the country's foreign exchange. The work started by Dale Craft Knit (DCK) in Sri Lanka with the assistance of NORAD would promote value addition in the apparel sector which would be essential in the post 2005 era. We have to reformulate our strategies and should concentrate on improving our technology and train our human resource to cater to niche markets," Prof. Peiris said.

He said the Government is planning to set up a school of fashion in Sri Lanka modelled after the London School of Fashion at a cost of Rs.60 million. The Minister commended Norway's role in the country's economic development and facilitating the peace process.

"Although Norway's involvement in Sri Lanka is known for its effort to facilitate the peace process it has a longstanding relationship with our country in terms of economic development. It has played a tremendous role over the years such as assisting the Government in developing the rural economies including the development of the Southern parts of the country," Prof. Peiris said.

Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgessen said the key for economic development in Sri Lanka is peace and it would bring much needed foreign investment to the country.

"The economic development of the country will also help Sri Lanka to achieve sustainable peace.

Therefore, the involvement of leading companies such as Dale in the apparel industry in Sri Lanka would be very useful for the country's development and peace," Helgessen said.

Managing Director, Dale Craft Knit (DCK) and Dale Research and Development Services (Dale R & D), Priyantha Subasinghe said Norway's commitment to assist Sri Lanka to achieve a lasting peace has served as the impetus for Dale of Norway to dramatically expand its partnership and investments in this country.

"Our latest venture Dale R & D offers countless opportunities for bright young and creative people to cultivate their talents. DCK has trained around 5000 women in knitting over the last 22 years.

The 17 knitting centres in Colombo, Kalutara, Balapitiya, Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya and Padukka have been havens for rural woman, building their confidence, dignity and financial power while making them skilled in a craft of exclusivity that makes them employable anywhere. NORAD has given fund assistance for another project DCK has initiated in building multi-purpose production sites in areas where they have a presence," Subasinghe said.

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