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The government hopes to provide housing and transport facilities to apparel sector employees, said Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion and Minister of Constitutional Affairs.

It is the government and the people's duty to appreciate the efforts put in by apparel sector employees which brings in the highest foreign exchange of 53 percent to the country. The government has implemented an expeditious programme in this regard on the advice and assistance of Joint Apparel Manufacturers Association. It is also hoped to bring about a significant change in the impressions of the society held of those employed in garment factories, he said.

The Minister addressing garment sector employees at the Oba Rajinaka Yay Situnaa (.....Felt you were a Queen) musical show at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium said the heartbeat of the economy is undoubtedly the apparel industry.

This event was organised by the Joint Apparel Association Forum to strengthen and promot the image of the apparel sector which has received the attention and recognition of the nation for its achievements in the international competitive market. Prof. Peiris said he considers this programme as quite opportune.

"Amongst all values and qualities respected and traditionally protected, 'gratitude' is of paramount importance. Giving due respect and honour to those who deserve it, is supreme. The economy's heartbeat is the apparel industry. Hence the sincere and wholehearted appreciation of the society should go out to all those joining with this concept towards bringing prosperity to the country by the efforts of those in the apparel sector," he said.

Prof. Peiris said it is with the best intentions that the government together with the advice of the Joint Apparel Association Forum and the Ministry has taken the responsibility of carrying out this programme.

"Through this effort, we expect a visible change in the impressions and attitudes of the people, towards those apparel sector whose services are immeasurable. In keeping with this, the government through the Board of Investment has commenced a programme to extend its fullest cooperation and assistance towards providing facilities such as housing and transport," the Minister said.

Similarly the benefits of this sector will not be limited to Colombo and its outskirts but will be extended and spread to the difficult areas, and given special consideration as felt opportune, Prof. Peiris said.

The Minister said the Arunalu programme launched to generate 7,500 job opportunities will be protected on a permanent basis.

"We have drawn the structure on a strong base, so that even with the expiry of the quota system in 2005, these benefits will be provided continuously. We have already come to basic terms with the USA. In order go on a wider scale, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is directly involved in vigorously pursuing and discussing this matter with US leaders," he said.

The Minister said the services extended by employees of the apparel industry is highly appreciated by the government.

"Without leaving it there or limiting it to verbal appreciation, to express its gratitude in a more practical way, the governments intends to carry on this programme in a more creative manner, attracting the fullest attention of all, while providing all facilities to this sector," he said.

The Minister thanked the Joint Apparel Association Forum for sponsoring this programme.

Victor Ratnayake, Amarasiri Peiris, Rukantha Goonetilleke and Nirosha Virajini sang at the show.

Lyrics of the songs were based on different aspects of the day-today lives of those in the garment industry written by Rathna Sri Wijesinghe, Ajantha Ranasinghe, Bandula Nanayakkarawasam, Sunil Sarath Perera, Kapila Kumara Kalinga and Nillar N. Thassim with music by Rohana Weerasinghe, Victor Ratnayake, Navarathne Gamage, Ranga Dassanayake and Pushthi and Suresh.

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