2.1. REGIONAL OFFICES 2.1.1. Anuradhapura Regional Office Introduction The commemoration of International Women’s Day organized by the Anuradhapura Regional Office of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka was held on 08 March 2017 at the Creston Park Hall in Anuradhapura with the objective of appreciating the activities of women who are engaged in informal economic field and exchanging their experiences, challenges and achievements. Participants Ms. Leelawathie Gunawardena (handicrafts), Ms.A.Kusumawathie( Enterprise), N.G.Kamalawathie ( representing disabled, working women), and Ms. Jeewanthi Liyanage, representing Haritha Sangamaya – agricultural products) took part in the Round Table Discussion and exchanged their experiences. Representatives of state and nongovernmental organizations, civil society activists and members of women’s organizations including Hon. H.B. Semasinghe, Minister of Lands, Rural Development and Irrigation of the Central Province representing the Policy Making bodies, Mr.P.B.Gunawardena, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Planning and Operations Department, Mr.R.P.S.Gunawardena, Asst. Director/ Ministry of Industrial Development and Mr.P.B.D.Gunawardeena, Executive Director/ District Chamber of Commerce were present at the discussions. Challenges and Constraints  Ms.N.G.Kamalawathie She is representing disabled women who are working. She stated that around 200 disabled women are working with her and they are handicapped due to absence of a sign convertor during training sessions. Therefore, correct information is not transmitted to them. Most of the training programmes are held in the auditorium on the upper floor of the District Secretariat which pauses a hindrance to the disabled persons. She said that not only the Social Service Department, but all other institutions, Ministries and departments should look into the grievances of the disabled persons. They find it difficult to market their products due to transport difficulties and says that it is more appropriate to have a suitable market place for marketing their products. It will be more productive if the government makes arrangements to purchase their projects at the gate and requested that attention be focused on these constraints. 13 13