electricity transmission lines and trees were destroyed by Tsunami as well. Intermediaries’ involvement in the Industry, especially in marketing, also creates certain problems.  Ms. V.Shanthi, Ms.R.Gnaneswari and Ms. P.Krishnvainai are engaged in pottery. There is a difficulty in procuring raw materials of good quality and damages caused in transport have paved way for various problems which in turn affect marketing process.  General consensus was that the government which is of the opinion that pottery is a profitable business, does not wish to provide any concessions for the industry. Involvement of intermediaries in selling clay is yet another problem in the industry.  Ms.P.Sharmila who is engaged in joss-sticks production complains about the difficulty in procuring raw materials in Batticaloa area. Prices in Colombo are unbearable. Even if the products are ready, high cost of packaging and printing pauses problems in marketing and there is a severe competition in the area.  Ms.A.F.Shihana is engaged in an industry which produces handicrafts using sea shells. Here too, there are transport difficulties. Whole process, from production to marketing, is a long chain of constraints. Views /response of state officials and representatives of civil organizations.  According to the Town Commissioner, approval for collecting clay has to be obtained from the District Secretariat. There is no problem in obtaining clay on this permit which is a legal document.  According to the District Social Service Officer, a sum of Rs. 25,000.00 is made available at the commencement of the micro-enterprise without any legal binding on the industry. There is no problem whatsoever if the requisite permits are obtained.  Asst. Director/ Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources stated that several awareness programmes are underway to educate on the problem of finding raw materials for sea shells industry. Working women are targeted by this programme. Required raw materials are available in the village called Thambiluvil in Ampara District and necessary assistance can be extended.  District Manager/Palmirah Development Board stated that there are around 2500 palmirah producers and the opportunity exists to start enterprises at rural level. It is possible to find a market among the foreign tourists too. In case of any problem they should contact the Board. 18 18