IIT Expo was held in Sri Lanka, February 21 to 23, 2018. Exhibitors from various textile clusters of India--Tamil Nadu, Mumbai, Surat, Rajasthan--displayed apparel fabrics, made-ups, home textiles in various blends, textures, colors, designs.

The event was useful for importers, dealers, wholesalers of various textiles, sourcing agencies, retailers/buying houses, institutional buyers, yarn traders and garment manufacturers of Sri Lanka to directly interact with exhibitors from India and to choose their requirements. Different varieties in fiber composition, weave, shades were available under one roof.

Sri Lanka is a garment making hub. A scenario where Sri Lanka sources from India and manufactures apparel and garments for the rest of the world could lead to a win-win situation for both countries. Both countries share a rich textile tradition. Large Indian companies can encourage Sri Lankan companies to be part of their supply and value chains.

Sri Lanka has been urged to make use of fully-funded training opportunities in India under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program, in which a number of slots is earmarked for textile related subjects. Sri Lanka is one of India’s largest trading partners in SAARC. India in turn is one of Sri Lanka’s largest trade partners globally. Sri Lanka is among the top ten countries which import cotton fabrics from India.