North surpasses national growth rate - President Rajapakasa

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that the economy of the Northern Province had a growth rate of 22% last year, ahead of the country's average growth rate of 8%.

Minister Bathuideen speaks to a machine operator while President Rajapaksa, ministers and officials look on.

The President was speaking at the launch of Italy-based Calzedonia Group's Omegaline apparel factory in Vavuniya recently.

"This $ 30 million factory will produce high quality apparel to 3,300 stores in international markets and provide employment to more than 3,000 people in Vavuniya. The Calzedonia Group is present in more than 30 countries, producing four leading global brands. Last year, the four Sri Lankan companies of the Calzedonia Group generated a turnover of over $ 350 million," a spokesman for the Group said.

"Several large scale local and international business ventures are nearing completion in the North. They will be opened shortly heralding new livelihood opportunities for the people of the North. The responsibility of the government is to provide equal opportunities and facilities to youth from all corners to rise as equal stakeholders in the country's development," said President Rajapaksa.

"The declaration of Colombo and Hambantota ports as 'free ports' is a timely step in advancing our national goal of 'five hubs' and more importantly, in achieving the $ 20 billion export target by 2020," said Minister of Industry and Commerce, Rishad Bathiudeen.

"My Ministry and institutions under it are working to achieve the $ 20 billion target by 2020."

"Vavuniya is also stepping into the world of apparel exports. Sri Lanka's apparel exports are recovering from the impact of global recession. In 2012, our total apparel exports stood at $ 3.77 billion. Our overall garment exports which 'include apparels and other woven fabrics', have increased in the first half of this year by 1.5% to $ 1,994 million, compared to $ 1,964 million in the corresponding period of 2012," he said.

President of Calzedonia Group, Dr. Sandro Veronasi said, "Calzedonia always provides the best of facilities to workers and encourages strong mutual bonds and team work among people who come from various backgrounds."