15/8/2007

Ranaviru apparels, a unique garment factory run entirely by disabled Army officers and soldiers are gearing up to meet the entire uniform need of the Sri Lanka Army by end next year.

Ranaviru Apparels which employees around 815 disabled soldiers currently tailors 65% of the Army's uniform requirement. Commenting on meeting 100% of the Army's uniform need, its General Manager said "We are hoping to go for 100% of Army requirement by end of next year with the installation of high tech machines and further training for our soldiers"

Ranaviru Apparels has 325 sewing and other cutting machines. The targeted daily output is 1000 uniform sets. Materials for uniforms are provided by the Army. However, accessories such as buttons, zips and buckles are purchased by the Ranviru Apparel fund. The tailoring cost of each uniform is valued at Rs. 323.83. If uniforms were tailored by outside contractors the cost of one would be around Rs. 475.00 rupees, the factory management said.

The Army which has a force of over 120,000 men issue two sets of uniforms every year. The Army also has around 6 different uniforms categorized for different tasks. Most commonly used uniforms among these are the two working uniforms known as No 6 and No 6 Alpha, the combat kit and the IS (internal security) kit. Therefore Ranaviru apparels have a ready market.

Since the establishment of this exceptional garment factory the Army has been able to turn out high quality uniforms for its men and deposit Ranaviru Apparels' funds within the Army itself.

Disabled soldiers employed here are paid an attendance and a production allowance in addition to their normal salary which the Army continues to pay. "Even though we are disabled we have contributed to the salary we are being paid," Corporal Weerasuriya, said.

Almost every person except for the accountant from General Manager to the helper has suffered permanent disability due to injuries in the battle field. However, disability has not affected their productivity or mentality. Though disabled, these soldiers are committed in tailoring high quality uniforms for their fellow soldiers engaged in various duties in the north and east.