Sri Lanka’s Apparel Industry Eyes Future Growth with Strategic Collaboration and Policy Stability
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- Published: Friday, 14 March 2025 13:16
Sri Lanka’s apparel industry remains optimistic about its future growth and expansion, with industry leaders emphasizing the need for enhanced collaboration and consistent policies to sustain the sector’s momentum.
Stakeholders believe that the present is an opportune time to foster industry-wide cooperation and seek new partnerships. By leveraging Sri Lanka’s existing strengths, the sector can drive further growth and attract new international buyers.
Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) Chairman Saifudeen Jafferjee highlighted the importance of fortifying backward linkages to navigate geopolitical challenges. “Current tariff wars and ongoing trade agreements present both obstacles and opportunities. We must develop strategies to position Sri Lanka as a genuine apparel hub,” Jafferjee stated during the 14th Sri Lankan edition of CEMS-Global USA’s Textile Series of Exhibitions in Colombo.
Jafferjee also stressed the importance of promoting Sri Lanka’s reputation as an ethical manufacturer to boost design innovation and brand development. Additionally, strengthening backward integration in supply chains would enhance the industry’s competitiveness and sustainability.
Economic Contribution and Growth Aspirations
As of 2024, Sri Lanka’s apparel sector has evolved into a key economic pillar, directly employing over 350,000 individuals and indirectly supporting nearly one million more. The industry’s export earnings surpassed US$ 4.7 billion last year, with apparel manufacturing contributing approximately 7% to the nation’s GDP.
Looking ahead, the industry has set an ambitious target of US$ 8 billion in apparel exports by 2025. However, achieving this goal will require policy stability and stronger collaborations to bolster Sri Lanka’s global competitiveness.
Expanding Global Partnerships
JAAF Secretary General Yohan Lawrence underscored the importance of fostering global partnerships to integrate local manufacturers with international suppliers. “Every year, Sri Lanka sees larger exhibitions with increased exhibitor participation and greater industry throughput. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) particularly benefit from these events by gaining access to new raw materials, chemicals, and machinery suppliers,” Lawrence explained.
Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA) Chairperson Rajitha Jayasuriya echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the sector’s role in placing Sri Lanka on the global map. “Innovation, machinery, and technology continue to expand opportunities within the apparel industry, and we must capitalize on these advancements,” Jayasuriya noted.
Government Support and Industry Resilience
Deputy Minister of Industries Chathuranga Abeysinghe commended the apparel sector for its resilience in overcoming challenges, including the post-war period, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the subsequent economic crisis.
“The government and the apparel industry must align with a unified vision to achieve the US$ 8 billion export target. Preserving our reputation as an ethical and high-quality manufacturer is paramount,” Abeysinghe stated.
The Path Forward
Sri Lanka’s apparel industry stands at a crucial juncture, poised for growth through strategic collaboration, technological innovation, and policy consistency. By capitalizing on emerging opportunities and strengthening its position as a trusted global apparel hub, the industry can sustain its upward trajectory and achieve its ambitious export goals.