President defends appointing state ministry for Batik Industry

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today defended the decision to appoint a Ministry for the Batik, handloom and garment industry.

President Rajapaksa analysing the subjects assigned to State Ministries at a discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat said that it was impossible to proceed forward without improving local industries.

“The garment industry accounts for 43 per cent of the revenue gained from exports adding up to US $ five billion and also plays an important role in providing jobs”, he said.

He said strengthening the local garment industry, the Batik industry and handlooms  was vital and the government will give priority.He said through the ‘Salu Sala’ the government could create a market for the Batik Industry and handlooms.

State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara who assumed duties of garment industry, Batik industry and handlooms also present. The meeting came amidst reports that sections of the SLFP members were unhappy about the subjects assigned to him.