Views /response of state officials and representatives of civil organizations
Attention has to be focused on the national level empowerment of women who are
engaged in informal economic sector.
Commerce policy in Sri Lanka should be prepared in a sensitive manner and should suit
the requirements of the women who are engaged in industries.
Exhibitions, awareness programmes etc. should be organized at regional, district and
national level in order to encourage women engaged in informal economic sector.
Ensure women’s participation at policy making for commerce affairs, at the time of
obtaining raw materials, national trade policy compilation, trade agreement compilation
and evaluation of industry- related constraint.
Special allocations in the National Budget
Establishment of co-operative societies for women in informal economic sector
2.1.7. Matara Regional Office
Introduction
The commemoration of International Women’s Day organized by the Matara Regional Office
of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka was held on 14 March 2017 at Sarvodaya
Auditorium. Mr. D.M.R. Dissanayake, Matara Regional Co-ordinator delivering the welcome
speech explained the objectives of the programme. Discussion was conducted by Ms. Amali
Jayaweera, Journalist.
Participants
Around 50 participants consisting of women engaged in informal economic sector,
Deputy Director of Divineguma and Samurdhi Department, Deputy Manager of Central Bank,
Co-ordinator of Legal Aid omission, Manager ( Matara Youth Service Council), Media, Police
Officers of Child and Women Bureau, Regional Office representatives and trainees in
Vocational Training Centre.
Challenges and Constraints
Ms. Chamika de Silva stated that her business is to prepare and deliver apparels to
various state organizations. She insisted on suitable marketing arrangements.
Ms.Mangala Hewamaddumage is engaged in manufacturing ladies hand bags and
school bags. She lacks modern technology and modern equipments and she is therefore
not in a position to cover orders expeditiously.
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