Colombo: The High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, H.E Maj Gen (R) Qasim Qureshi along with the Minister for Economic Development Hon. Basil Rajapaksa inaugurated the Pakistan sponsored handloom textile training project and the textile village at Kottala-Meerigama.

The event was also attended by the Chairperson Liya Abhiman Attorney Pushpa Rajapaksa, Mrs Qasim Qureshi and Textile Department Director Vijitha Hemapriya.

The project envisages training of 75 individuals along with donation of handlooms, hand winders, accessories and raw material to the selected handloom operators. In addition to the direct beneficiaries, hundreds of people will gain indirect employment from the revival of this cottage industry.

Speaking on the occasion, H.E Maj Gen (R) Qasim Qureshi underlined the focus of Pakistan’s new government and said that deepening of economic and commercial cooperation, especially with regional countries, is the top foreign policy priority of the Pakistani government.

Hon. Minister Basil Rajapaksa thanked the Government and people of Pakistan on behalf of the Sri Lankan Government for supporting the handloom textile training project and opening the textile village at Kottala-Meerigama. He requested the High Commissioner to examine the possibilities of arranging trainers for the Cottage Industry Development in Sri Lanka, in particular the handloom sector.

Pakistan has a strong, thriving and vibrant textile sector, with cotton production and entire value addition chain, including production of yarn, fabric, dyeing and printing, knitwear, and apparel. Textiles are the largest manufacturing sector in Pakistan’s economy and accounts for US $ 12.6 billion annual exports. Along with established large-scale mechanized industrial textile units, Pakistan has also developed its handloom industry, which is providing employment to thousands of families. Several Pakistani brands have secured international recognition due to excellent quality, creative designs, eco-friendly production, and aesthetic appeal.

During the ceremony, the beneficiaries were handed over the ownership documents of the handlooms and other equipment provided with Pakistan’s assistance.