Archives

The success of the "Arunalu" programme, centered around the difficult areas to provide 7500 jobs in the apparel sector thereby providing relief to 7500 families, could be attributed to the peaceful atmosphere on the ground which is the base for economic development and the efficient and systematic financial management.

The factories selected for this purpose are stable and according to the conditions agreed to, these jobs will be well secured even after 2005. These views were expressed by Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion at a ceremony organized to present letters of appointment to 500 new employees recruited to Carlton Garments and 250 employees to Sasiri Garments in the Medawachchiya electorate.

This was arranged under the "Arunalu" programme implemented by the Ministry with focus on the youth in the difficult and most difficult areas. The factories selected will be given an incentive of additional quotas under this programme on the condition that 250 jobs should be generated by October 10, thereby achieving the target of 10,000 jobs.

"The government has commenced a major programme for your sake. The Treasury will release Rs. 10,400 million to provide electricity and Rs. 200 million for road construction every month in rural areas. The government is in a position to provide Rs. 15 million to every electorate and in addition a further Rs. 2 million for the construction of by-roads. Out of the 7500 jobs generated under this programme today, 250 will be for graduates. This is not a promise to be fulfilled within a month but is taking place today.

Some people find fault with everything. President Premadasa looked down on the opening of garment factories, saying these factories manufacture under garments for women living in foreign countries. Today the apparel industry has taken the top most place in Sri Lanka's economy, bringing in 53% of the total foreign exchange whilst tea brings in 18%", Prof. Peiris said.

"The Investment Promotion Forum in Malaysia held recently was the most successful one ever attended in the past 9 years of my political career.

There was tremendous enthusiasm displayed by prospective investors saying this is the ideal time for investment. Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe signed an agreement for 50,000 jobs to be provided in Malaysia for Sri Lankans. Similarly, Minister Ravi Karunanayake is in Mexico to discuss the possibility of obtaining the highest rates for Sri Lanka's exports.

We hope to enter into Free Trade Agreements Egypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Singapore. All this has been made possible due to peace on the ground. There are some groups in protest campaigns demanding and end to the ceasefire agreement, the dismissal of the Norwegian mediators and the cease fire monitoring mission. If these demands are to be met, we will definitely have war again", he said.

North-Central Provincial Council-Opposition Leader R. B. Abeysinghe said New jobs have been provided in the apparel sector at a time when the negative economic growth has been diverted towards a positive growth. For twenty years we were tortured by a war and terror activities of the LTTE. The government has created an environment in which we can live free of fear and inhibition. The economy is growing. Prof. G.L. Peiris has visited these areas with the intention of developing it further.

There are resources in this area and skilled workers. We have an enthusiastic group of young people. We as government, are now making the maximum use of all this.

Minister Assisting Foreign Affairs Lal Dharmapriya Gamage, said There was a major transformation in the country with the peace process carried forward by Prof. G.L. Peiris, on the directions of the Prime Minister.

There were times when every household was glued to their radios waiting for news. What was the state of the minds of those families with their husbands, sons, and relatives in the forces and police? Families are now once again happy and together.

www.crescat.com

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries

Produced by Lake House
Copyright © 2003 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager