Textile and apparel industry is one of the most significant contributors to Sri Lanka’s overall economy. In the year 2006 this sector’s exports amounted to US$ 3,080 mn, accounting for 45% of the national exports or 57% of industrial exports. Textile and apparel sector contributed 39% to the overall growth of factory output in 2006 and contributed 5% to the national GDP.
Having identified the importance of this sector the policy laid down in the Mahinda Chinthana, which regard to the textile and apparel sector is as follows;
- Improving the productivity and branding of Sri Lankan Garments in order to expand the overseas markets as well as the domestic market.
- Establishment of three textile-processing zones in order to enhance the value addition in our apparel export.
- Setting up health and residential facilities in export processing zones and major apparel manufacturing area with the assistance of the private sector. Assistance in the form of finance, technology and markets will be offered to the handloom industry.
Currently the textile and apparel sector is a fully integrated industry with necessary backward linkages and superior logistical support services. Sri Lanka is now considered as the Marketing and Service Hub in the South Asian region. Furthermore, the industrial quality standards and adherence to all the international standards/labour norms are govern by the best practices that makes Sri Lanka in a superior position in the region. EU GSP+ scheme was granted to the country on account of these good practices.
Productions of many popular fashion labels like Victoria’s Secret, Liz Claiborne, Abercrombie and Fitch, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo/Ralph Lauren, Nike, Eddi Bauer, Pierre Cardin, Charming Shops, Gap, Marks & Spencer, London Fog, C&A, BHS, Calvin Klein, Gymboree, Adams and Tesco, bear ample witness for the trust in Sri Lankan work force creating employment opportunities to nearly 4.8% of the total national workforce.
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