  Ms.D.B.Chandralatha, engaged in floriculture has accrued her knowledge from the Department of Agriculture. However, she had to face various obstacles in acquiring a land and obtaining loans for the purpose. Once she was taken into police custody too. Ms.H.M.Gnanawathie explained the problems she is encountering as a woman engaged in apparels industry as a self-employment. Her biggest problem is her inability to obtain loans due to her age. Views /response of state officials and representatives of civil organizations.      Ms.Rajika of Legal Aid Commission while acclaiming the efforts of these women explained legal framework. She is of the opinion that women engaged in business should be thoroughly aware of the processes relating to loans, laws and insurance. Mr.M.P.Aruna, Bank Manager, Central Bank stated that loan facilities could be obtained in consultation with banks. Deputy Director, Divineguma Department stated that Samurdhi bank loans are awarded to entrepreneurs over 18-19 years of age. Most of the entrepreneurs do not care to update their knowledge on modern technology and their own enterprise as well. Mr.W.J.Vidanapathirana, of Matara Youth Service Council stated the youth can obtain loans after obtaining the membership. Ms.S.A.C.Dilhani (Dickwella Police Station) disclosed that numerous complaints are received in her Police Station with regard to illegal activities, matters connected with loan and Pavement hawking. 2.1.8. Jaffna Regional Office Introduction The commemoration of International Women’s Day organized by the Jaffna Regional Office of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka was held on 08 March 2017 at the Thoderpalm Hall in Jaffna. All those women who are engaged in various small-scale enterprises such as dress-making, dry food production, dry sea food production, leather products, making pillows and carpets etc. with discarded materials, palmirah productions, animal husbandry etc. were cordially invited for discussions and they exchanged their views related their experiences, challenges, constraints and of course their achievements. Participants For the Round Table discussion - Miss. Harmila Chndrathan ( copper products), Ms.Anthony Benasha Subajini ( rearing animals for food), Ms. Aitharaj Shaila ( dry sea food), Ms. Jeganathan Sathyeswari (animal husbandry), Ms. Charles Wijayaratnam Thavachchari 23 23