Sri Lanka Daya Apparel to open factories in east

Sept 11, 2011 (LBO) - Sri Lanka's Daya Apparel Export is setting up three factories in eastern Amparai district, part of the former war zone, with 20 production lines capable of exporting over 2.

4 million pieces of apparel a year.

"The project will emphasize equitable employment opportunities for both women and men.

" The project, being done in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will provide direct employment to 1,000 men and women in the area, and contribute to ethnic harmony, a US embassy statement said.

The first factory was inaugurated on September 9, employing 80 workers.

The expected annual combined revenue of all three factories in the project in Mahaoya, Ninthavur and Thirukkovil, known as the Eastern Garment Alliance, is over 15.6 million US dollars.

"The Eastern Garment Alliance will create jobs, boost economic growth and promote stability in the eastern district of Amparai," the statement said.

Men and women in the area will be trained as sewing machine operators and assistants.

"The project will allow on-the-job interaction among different ethnicities, and benefit members of all ethnic groups," the statement said.