She is of the opinion that when implementing policies, laws and regulations, attention should be drawn to the fact there are women engaged in different types of employment and they should be treated with relevance to their individual job status. 5. Ms.M.P.Chandrani (representing Hambantota Kantha Implementing procedure of micro- finance system.) Maha Sangamaya – Ms. M.P.Chandrani who works as an Assistant in the Training and Animation Division, of the Hambantota Kantha Maha Sangamaya, stated that socio-animation programmes and Financial Aid Programmes are conducted under the aegis of Gemi Shakthi Banking Programme for the benefit of rural women and her organization endeavours to make conceptual changes in women and their families through socio-animation. She believes that such conceptual changes will improve the empowerment skills in the economic field. Most of the women seeking bank loans are facing various difficulties and will require security deposits etc. Her organization releases micro-finance facilities through small groups and large number of people have been empowered in economic and socio terms using these facilities. Requisite back ground is also being provided through this programme to create recognition in the society as well as in the family for the women concerned. OBSERVATIONS PUT FORWARD BY THE INVITEES 1. Ms. Bhoomi Harendran : she put forward three problems. 1. Is a special day necessary for women? 2. Do we take action to obtain the services of the state officials who are appointed to serve the people? 3. Is there a classification for women? She said that all are acting in a manner as if they have forgotten everything after the discussions held on the Women’s Day. 2. Ms. Vijitha Alles – Asst.Director General, Department of External Resources She stated that nutrition level of most of the women engaged in estate related employment is at a lower level and they are mostly suffering with malnutrition. This situation is evident in most rural areas as well. A programme to improve nutrition level of women and children is being prepared by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health. A programme for releasing micro-finance facilities is being implemented by the Central Bank using state funds and foreign aid. Rural women have to be made aware of this facility, where market assistance and technical assistance also will be available. 9 9