Rangiri Garment, a boon to Hambantota youth

by Sarath GAMAGE, Lunawa Gr. Cor.

The President of Se cours Populaie Francais , Laupretre Julien called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at “Temple Trees” recently.

Namal Rajapaksa MP views the plaque after opening the Rangiri Garment factory in Hambantota recently, with Laupretre Julien, Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris and Presidential Coordinating Secretary, Upul Dissanayake.

The Sri Lanka - France friendship has been further strengthened due to increasing tourist arrivals and investment opportunities in the country, said foreign Affairs Minister, G.L. Peiris at the opening of Rangiri Garment factory at Mirijjawila, Hambantota recently. The new factory was constructed under the patronage of Secours Populaie Francais of France.

Minister Peiris and hambantota district parliamentarian, Namal Rajapaksa declared open the factory. The project will provide employment opportunities for over 100 youth in the area at the initial stage.

Minister Peiris said that the government would appoint competent ambassadors to strengthen foreign affairs. Accordingly Dayan Jayatilleke is tipped to be appointed Ambassador to France.

French tourists to Sri Lanka are on the increase. Our international trade relations have indicated a rapid rate of progress. Our doors are open to foreign investors including France.

The European countries have reposed their confidence in Sri Lanka due to its rapid rate of development. The new garment factory has provided employment opportunities to the youth in the area who fell victim to the tsunami.

Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa said that industrial estates would be established in Hambantota. Garment factories would be set up and naval training courses would be made available for the benefit of the youth. Our objective is to implement massive employment generation schemes not confined to Hambantota alone but to cover the whole country he said. He commended the patronage extended by the French agencies to Sri Lanka.

Presidential Coordinating Secretary and Lake House Operations Director, Upul Dissanayake said that the visit of the French delegation helped ease the unemployment problem.

The French tourists who visit many parts of our country could see for themselves the actual situation and clear any misunderstandings they have on Sri Lanka. In addition to the garment factory, a housing project has also been donated to us, he said.

The chairman of Se cours Populaie Francais Laupretre Julieu said that their objective is to give succour to the needy irrespective of cast, creed or any other differences. Our policy is to help each other. We are working with over 50 countries and we could provide assistance to a large number of tsunami victims, particularly in Matara and Hambantota. What is important is the relations between the two countries. We feel it an honour for us that President Mahinda Rajapaksa welcomed us warmly.Hambantota district secretary, R.M.D. Meegasmulla was also present.