Over 1,000 family units absorbed into leather industry

Nethali Struys

The International Development Board has come forward to assist the Divi Neguma National Project which is conducted by the Economic Development Ministry.

Accordingly 1,000 family units have been selected by the Leather Product Development and Services Department of Lanka Industrial Development Board to be empowered to produce leather products along with large and medium scale manufactures who are in the industry.

These family units will be selected from the area around the factories so that it would be more convenient in many ways. Technical guidance will be provided by the Leather Product Development and Services Department free of charge.

The manufactures will provide raw materials to these families for production and the final products will be purchased by the manufactures.

They also will be paid for their work. Under this project it is estimated that each family will receive an income of Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000.

In the beginning it is implemented only in Colombo, Gampaha, Kilutara, Kandy and Galle. Plans have been made to implement this project islandwide in the future.