Category: Apparel
Apparel exports grow in September, but the year-to-date picture remains cautious: JAAF
Sri Lanka’s apparel exports returned to growth in September 2026, an encouraging sign for the sector. Although the nine-month total is still behind last year, the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) sees the latest result as a positive step. Apparel exports for the month came to US$ 416.99 million, up 3.47% from US$ 403.01 million […]
FAAMA Appoints New Executive Committee for 2026/27, targeting a US$1 billion local value-addition opportunity
The Fabric & Apparel Accessory Manufacturers Association (FAAMA) has reappointed Mr. Husni Salieh of Noyon Lanka (Private) Limited as the Chairman for the 2026/27 term at its Annual General Meeting held on 25 September 2026 at the Hilton Colombo. The AGM was graced virtually by Mr. Duminda Hulangamuwa, Chairman of the Board of Investment of […]
Chasing the next $3Bn: What it will take for Sri Lanka’s apparel sector to get there
For thirty years, Sri Lanka’s apparel industry has quietly powered the country’s export economy accounting for roughly 40% of merchandise export revenue and employing 300,000 to 350,000 people. That scale wasn’t accidental. It was built through deliberate government-industry planning dating back to the early 1990s. The first transformation, anchored by the 200 Garment Factories Programme, […]
JAAF and ILO Better Work Programme lead apparel sector’s push for disability inclusion with “Inclusive Threads” pledge
Thirteen apparel companies recently signed a voluntary pledge in Colombo committing to advance disability inclusion in the workplace, marking a milestone for Inclusive Threads of Better Work Sri Lanka, a joint initiative of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and, supported by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. […]
Hirdaramani Apparel and University of Moratuwa collaborate to transform textile waste into sustainable innovation
In a significant step towards advancing circularity, Hirdaramani Apparel collaborates with the University of Moratuwa on a three-year research initiative to explore how textile waste can be transformed into environmentally friendly ceiling panels. The partnership aims to address two pressing global challenges such as the growing volume of textile waste and the need for sustainable, […]
Why Sri Lanka’s SME apparel sector needs a national sustainable industries policy framework
By Nishantha Bakmeege President Sri Lanka chamber garment exporters (SLCGE) A clear national sustainable industries framework is becoming essential if Sri Lanka’s SME apparel manufacturers are to cut carbon, adopt renewable energy and remain competitive in global export supply chains. Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is entering a new phase where export competitiveness will increasingly be […]
Emerald Clothing Steps into Acquiring Selected HelaFactories, Safeguarding Jobs and Sri Lanka’s Export Base
Emerald Clothing (Pvt) Ltd has stepped in to secure the continuity of key operations previously run by Hela Clothing (Private) Limited, in a move aimed at stabilizing exports and safeguarding employment. The intervention comes as Hela faces liquidity constraints. Emerald Clothing said it has implemented an operational transition to ensure that manufacturing output and selected […]
Sri Lanka’s apparel sector gains competitive edge under UK’s DCTS scheme
The United Kingdom’s revised Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), effective fromJanuary 2026, presents a clear opportunity for Sri Lanka’s apparel sector. It is particularlysignificant for small and medium-sized exporters, offering them a stronger footing in a keymarket. The real strength of the revised scheme lies in its practicality. By easing rules of origin andallowing greater […]
To reach US$8 billion, Sri Lanka apparel must grow differently
By Felix Fernando, Chairman, Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) Sri Lanka’s apparel industry has earned its place in the global market through consistency, trust,and a strong reputation for ethical manufacturing. Over many years, we have shown that Sri Lanka can deliver quality, compliance, and reliability at a level that global brands value. That foundation remains […]
Sri Lanka’s apparel exports grow 5.4-pct in Dec 2025; full-year exports top USD5Bn
Sri Lanka’s exports of apparel and made-up textile articles (HS Chapters 61, 62 and 63) rose to US$447.21 million in December 2025, up 5.43% from US$424.18 million in December 2024, according to industry export statistics. Growth was recorded across the three main destination markets. Exports to the USA increased 6.49% year-on-year to US$178.29 million (from […]
Sri Lankan garment exports gain tariff-free access to UK from 01 January
Reforms to the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme are now in force with liberalised trade rules taking effect from 1 January 2026. Manufacturers can now source up to 100% of materials globally while maintaining zero UK tariffs. Garment exports from Sri Lanka to the UK are expected to increase significantly under the new arrangements. Sri […]
MAS Holdings launches ‘Plan for Change 2030’,towards more sustainable apparel industry
South Asia’s largest apparel-tech conglomerate, MAS Holdings, launched its Plan for Change 2030 at a special event held at Cinnamon Life, Colombo on 09 October 2025. The launch marks an important new chapter in the company’s sustainability journey, outlining an ambitious roadmap to reshape the future of apparel through measurable commitments across Product, Lives, and […]