Sri Lanka, just off the southeastern tip of India, has long been a place for families from around the world to come and enjoy their holidays. The sunny pristine beaches that ring the country are perfect for rest and relaxation, and watching the local fishermen drag their nets to shore in the sunset. The country has also had booming export industries within the wooden toy, coconut product, and garment production sectors. However nearly three decades of conflict in the north east of the country has placed great strain on both the tourism and export sectors, not forgetting the negative effect this has had on the relations between national ethnic groups and the immense human suffering that is still ongoing today.  Even those not directly in the conflict zone suffered, through lost jobs and lost educational opportunities for their children as their incomes dwindled.

The tsunami of 2004 still leaves its scars in the coastal areas both north and south.

Compounding the difficulties is the international financial crisis, which has a deep impact on Sri Lanka.  In Selyn's hometown of Kurunegala alone, seven of eight garment factories that existed in mid 2008 have closed their doors.  Selyn itself has seen a marked decline in export orders.

And all of this in a country where the brilliant emerald green of a rice paddy field in the morning sun would thrill the most jaded of tourists.  The ease of the Sri Lankan smile to a stranger on the street charms every time.  The richness of the handicraft and foodstuff traditions, be it in baskets, wood, spices, coconut, or the vibratiouis fabrics that Selyn produces, surely makes the basis for an excellent choice of a holiday destination, or perhaps a business deal over a cup of lucious green tea?

While the polticians make grand statements and grand gestures, you can take direct action.  Come, buy, order..create a job for a Sri Lankan woman that has no control over the politics that swirl around her.