Sri Lankan apparel exporters want greater access to the Indian market. Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is fully committed to a comprehensive trade relationship with India. The industry is heavily dependent on India, not only for inputs such as fiber, yarn, and fabric, but on finished products too. 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 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. 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.

India is one of Sri Lanka’s largest trade partners globally. Sri Lanka is among the top ten countries which import cotton fabrics from India. India has become a focal point for the fashion industry as its middle class consumer base grows and manufacturing sector strengthens. Fashion players are redoubling their efforts in this highly fragmented and challenging market, where an educated and tech savvy demographic rub shoulders with the poor and upwardly mobile.