Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena declared open two newly constructed garment factories recently. The factories have been built with the purpose of generating employment opportunities for the youth in the Eastern province, according to official sources.

The President first opened a handloom factory owned by the Lotha Pvt Ltd, and later, the Eastern Garment Factory.

The garment sector is one of the biggest industries in Sri Lanka and plays a key role in advancing the country’s economy. The apparel industry of Sri Lanka employs about 15 per cent of the country’s workforce, accounting for about half of the country’s total exports.