TECH opens a Women’s Hostel for the female workers at Elephant Pass Salt Factory

On 30 th June 2005, with the financial aid of GTZ, TECH opened a women’s hostel for the female employees of Elephant Pass Salt Factory.

The opening ceremony was organised and led by Mr. Amirthalingham. Mr. Thangam, Deputy Political Wing Leader, hosted the Tamil Eelam national flag. Others who were present and also participated in opening twelve separate building units were Father Karnarunaratam, Director Mr. Karikalan, Mr. Jejakumar, Ms. Geetha, TECH London Co-ordinator Ms. Elizaman, Mr. Karunpahu, USA TECH representative Mr Manoranjan, TECH Australia representative Mr. Paramsothy, Dr. Elumathy, TRO Deputy Director Mr Reegan, Mr Valaithapillai, Mr Sinnanan, and TECH Director Mr. Suntharamoorthy. Mr Valiapillai kindly gave the vote of thanks.

Elephant Pass is one of the most affected areas in the island of Sri-Lanka , but this particular factory managed to re-establish the salt industry, and is now the only successful factory in the North-East. This company offers many employment opportunities, to both male and females. The company has provided jobs for people in this badly affected area, and who are, as a consequence, living in better conditions.

The workforce comprises of many young women. This is an excellent opportunity for young working women, to gain a stable income of reasonable pay. However, the factory is isolated, and hence public transport does not travel to this particular area. Hence, the reason for the hostel. This hostel gives the comfort for female workers to go to and fro work, without the anxiety of worrying how to get there. The female workers appreciate this hostel, and have commented that it really helps with their working lives.