Sri Lanka’s apparel exports in 2013 reached an all-time record of $4.3 billion compared to $3.8 billion dollars in 2012. The country expects to be among the top 10 apparel exporters of the world by 2020. The Sri Lankan government is offering various incentives where by Sri Lankan entities can now place orders in other low cost bases in the region, bring back to Sri Lanka, add value and export. Multi country consolidation which is offering enormous opportunities is also now possible. A free trade agreement has been proposed with China.
Sri Lanka’s apparel export industry is the country’s primary forex earner accounting for 40 per cent of total exports. There are around 350 garment factories and around 16 textile and fabric manufacturing units. Apparel categories include: sportswear, lingerie, lounge wear, bridal wear, work wear, swim wear, children’s wear. The US and the United Kingdom have historically been the largest buyers of Sri Lankan apparel throughout the decades.
The apparel industry prides itself on the fact that it doesn’t employ children. It has implemented ethical sourcing and sustainable eco-friendly development practices. It aims to empower women and support their communities through poverty alleviation and offering opportunities for education and personal growth. The endeavor is to make the ‘Made in Sri Lanka’ label synonymous with quality, reliability and social and environmental accountability.
