Job fair spotlights growing opportunities in Hambantota

by Shirajiv SIRIMANE

"We have provided more than 500 employments and training opportunities for the participants at the annual Hambantota Job Fair,' said President of the Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce (HDCC) Kumar Jayasinghe.

He said that this annual event is now much looked forward to in the district and the participation from the private sector is increasing. He said that in addition to providing instant 'jobs', the fair also helped bring about an attitude change for youth in the area.

He said that with the rapid development that is taking place in the area, many new employment opportunities have emerged which the youth were not aware of.

Jayasinghe said most leading companies based in Colombo want their representation in Hambantota and are considering opening regional offices or appointing their representatives which may open new opportunities in these sectors for youth. This fair highlighted these opportunities that emerge in these areas, he said.

He said the HDCC is the most active regional chamber in Sri Lanka and has organised many events to groom youth to face these new opportunities.

"We also have the Hambantota Youth Business Trust which provides credit for self-employment projects we have provided over Rs. 100 million per year. We must also thank the Norway government and Manchester Solutions for this endeavour.

He said the Hambantota Chamber was launched over 20 years ago and faced tremendous hardship during the past, especially during the tsunami. "However, with the end of the conflict and the rapid development that is taking place, we can expect more prosperous times ahead."