2.1.4. Ampara Regional Office Introduction The commemoration of International Women’s Day organized by the Ampara Regional Office of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka was held on 08 March 2017 in the auditorium of the Regional Office. A video on the history of commemorating International Women’s Day was screened and another presentation was made on the theme and targets 4 and 5 of the Sustainable Development targets. Participants Those women engaged in informal economic sector took part in this programme. Director of Agriculture, Divisional Secretaries, Vocational Training Officers, Rural Development Officers, Women Development Officer, Police officers of the Child and Women Bureau also were present representing the state sector along with a host of members of civil organizations. Challenges and Constraints       Inability to provide proper training in the relevant fields. Non-availability of an initial capital for investing and difficulties encountered in obtaining loans for industries. Deficiencies in marketing process. Ignorance of EPF and ETF. Lack of interest of women over 40 years of age to register for jobs in the informal economic sector. Non-availability of a suitable communication system. Views /response of state officials and representatives of civil organizations.      Various training programmes are conducted by the Vocational Training Centre of the Agriculture Department for the benefit of rural women. Representative of the Women Development Division of the Divineguma Project stated that certain concessions have been arranged by the Divisional Secretariat though state banks and these loans are available for those interested without any discrimination. According to the Women Development Officers of the Divineguma Development Project, most of the women engaged in informal employment sector do not take part in training programmes if transport and other expenses are not settled. It was further pointed out that most of the women who are engaged in self-employment are used to open up various types of businesses without proper planning. Officers of the Child and Women Bureau discussed the subject of protecting women who are engaged in informal economic sector. State representatives are of the opinion that a suitable network should be arranged covering all the women engaged in this sector. 19 19