Sri Lanka’s total textile and clothing exports were up by 5.7 per cent in 2018. Out of this, exports of clothing increased by 4.7 per cent in 2018 over 2017.

Sri Lanka’s textile manufacturing has been an organized industry since the 1940s and a clothing industry since the 1970s. It’s therefore, necessary for Sri Lanka to chalk out a new policy for textile and clothing aiming at attracting more investments, creating new jobs and adding value to the apparel industry value chain. The country’s real challenge is to be competitive and yet increase significantly the share of its value and volume in the market. For that it needs to bring in a new broad perspective and a paradigm shift. Its supply chain practices need a new look. The craftsmanship needs to be perfect and coupled with branded labels. Professional ethics and relationships need to be improved. Among the steps considered are a knowledge hub with emerging technologies and innovations such as AI and advancements in material science coupled with digitalization, big data and analytics to create the perfect platform for modern-day business. This needs a change in the ways of designing, sourcing, manufacturing and delivering.

Volatility, geopolitical risks, natural disasters, terrorist attacks and social media disruptions are all taking their toll on global supply chains.