Talks are under way with Indian entrepreneur ‘Padman’

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

Discussions are continuing with Indian entrepreneur Arunachalam Muruganathan popularly known as ‘Padman’ to start up a project to manufacture sanitary pads in Sri Lanka, Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella told Parliament yesterday.  

Responding to a question raised by some MPs including Premanath Dolawatta, Rohini Kaviratne and Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa in the House yesterday Minister Rambukwella said this project is seen as a solution to a burning issue which has hit Sri Lanka lately.  

“We are having discussions with Padman to start up a project to manufacture sanitary pads in Sri Lanka. I also accept that this is an issue which is faced by young women and girls in Sri Lanka. However it is not talked of often in Sri Lanka as a result of our culture,” the Minister said.  

MP Dolawatta who quoted a report published by Daily Mirror recently, said it is alarming to note that girl children refrain from going to school as they cannot afford to purchase the equipment needed to tackle this health issue they are facing. “This is a burning issue which I recently found out from a news item in daily Mirror,” the MP said.  
MP Kaviratne said sanitary pads are subjected to 42 percent taxes and said high taxes have resulted in the increase in prices.  

Mr, Premadasa said it was him who took up the issue during the presidential election campaign in 2019. “I was ridiculed and was called by a certain name during that time but it has become a serious issue today. “ Government should come up with some kind of solution and reduce taxes for sanitary pads,” he said. 

• Mr, Premadasa said it was him who took up the issue during the presidential election campaign in 2019