'Women's power brings $ 10 b to SL economy'

United Nations Operations (UNOPS) National Portfolio Development Head for Sri Lanka and Maldives of and a board member of many Government Ministries Rohantha Athukorala said that many of the overseas workers that bring in the 3.2 billion dollars into the Sri Lankan economy as remittances are women.

The apparel sector is essentially worked by women workers and this holds ground for even tea pluckers in the estates which means that almost 10 billion dollars to Sri Lanka comes from the women's power. He was the chief guest at the Women's Chamber of Commerce meeting at Galle Face and addressed the membership on the challenges for the Sri Lankan Economy and opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

Athukorala congratulated the Women's Chamber members for the leadership given in driving Sri Lanka's economy in various capacities and urged the membership to have strong interaction with the key policy-makers in the government so that this engagement will result in policies being developed to make Sri Lanka business environment more investor and business-friendly so that we as a nation can become a top 30 country in the World Competitive Rankings.

The Women's Chamber of Commerce Chairman and Siddhalepa Group, Director Vidyani Hettigoda said I think we should have more presentations of this nature so that our members could be abreast of the present economic and social issues facing the country and how the Women's Chambers can support the country while looking at the emerging opportunities for business growth.