First ever women-owned SME garment factory opens in Kotte

The first ever woman-owned garment factory was opened yesterday in Kotte in an initiative spearheaded by National Policies and Economic Affairs State Minister Dr. Harsha de Silva and the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF).

The venture named “Jaya Liya” (Jayewardenepura Women)  is a small and medium-scale enterprise with 10 machines and 11 low income women are powering it. 

State Minister De Silva said he was extremely happy to have started the venture as a pilot project and based on its success the model would be expanded. 

He said the garment factory has got guaranteed orders for two years. 

“Most of the women have some basic experience but they will be getting formal training for six weeks at the Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel (SLITA),” Dr. de Silva said. “The idea is to put away 25% of the profit to expand,” he added.

Noting that with only 35% of the women in the labour force and many women opting not to work, this model garment factory was an ideal alternative.

“Entrepreneurship is still a new concept. Here they have much less risk as the venture is supported with outside capital and orders guaranteed,” Dr. de Silva emphasised.