Prime Minister champions apparel industry’s role in economic development

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya (left) addressing the 42nd AGM of the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association yesterday, while the office bearers and members at the head table attentively look on – Pic by Lasantha Kumara

• Hails industry as ‘global leader’ in ethics and sustainability at 42nd AGM of Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association 
• Opines industry’s ambitious target of $ 8 b export revenue this year is ambitious, but achievable
• Highlights need for collaboration between Govt., private sector and workforce to achieve ambitious goals via innovation, sustainability and empowerment 
• Outlines Govt. initiatives to boost sector through trade agreements, improved tax policies, ease of doing business, promotion of local industries 
• Pledges stable policies, infrastructure, business environment for apparel industry’s continued growth 
• Acknowledges role of 350,000 strong women-led workforce, describing them as ‘change-makers’
• Stresses importance of gender equality, improved working conditions, supporting women in decision-making and management roles

By Charumini de Silva

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya last night underscored the pivotal role of the apparel industry in driving economic development, describing it as a ‘global leader’ in ethical and sustainable manufacturing. 

Speaking as the Chief Guest at the 42nd Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA), she commended the industry’s resilience, inclusivity, and significant contribution to export revenue, while outlining the Government’s commitment to achieve the sector’s ambitious $ 8 billion export revenue target this year through policy stability and infrastructure.  



stressed the sector has potential not only as an industrial powerhouse, but as a model for inclusivity and resilience in the face of adversity.

“Ethical and sustainable business practices are no longer optional; they are the way forward,” she asserted.

Dr. Amarasuriya extended her congratulations to Rajitha Jayasuriya on her election as the first-ever female chairperson of the SLAEA.

She acknowledged the significant contribution of the apparel industry, which accounts for over 31% of the total export earnings that generated $ 5.05 billion in revenue in 2024.

Noting that the industry has set an ambitious target of $ 8 billion in export revenue this year, Dr. Amarasuriya said: “It may sound ambitious, but it is achievable.”

The Prime Minister emphasised that achieving this goal will require a collective effort from the Government, private sector, and workforce, whilst stressing on the importance of innovation, sustainability, and workforce empowerment in overcoming challenges and seizing new opportunities.

Outlining the Government’s multi-prolonged recovery plan to boost the economy, she highlighted initiatives to facilitate trade agreements, refine taxation policies, improve ease of doing business, and promote local manufacturing. 

Dr. Amarasuriya stressed the Government’s focus on education and vocational training as critical components of economic recovery, pledging collaboration with industry leaders to align training programs with the evolving demands of the sector. 

The Prime Minister pledged support for the SLAEA, which represents 70% of the country’s apparel export sector, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to providing the necessary infrastructure, policy stability, and business environment to support the apparel industry’s continued growth. 

“You have the skills, the capacity, and the knowledge to lead this sector to even greater heights. Our role as the Government is to provide the stability and consistency you need to do so,” she said. 

The Prime Minister highlighted the pivotal role of a 350,000 strong workforce, predominantly women, who form its backbone. “These women are not just workers, they are ‘change-makers’ supporting families, communities, and the broader economy with resilience and dedication,” she said. 

Dr. Amarasuriya asserted the need to value and support the unpaid contributions these women workers make at home and at the community level, stressing that both paid and unpaid labour are essential to the functioning of the economy.

Reflecting on the apparel sector’s resilience during unprecedented crises – the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis – she noted the industry not only safeguarded livelihoods during these challenging times, but also maintained a steady inflow of foreign exchange for the economy.

“The resilience and determination demonstrated by this sector have been nothing short of remarkable,” she added. 

She also emphasised on the transformative journey of the apparel industry, particularly the shift in societal perceptions regarding its workforce.

“From dealing with stigma and derogatory labels to becoming a global leader in ethical and sustainable manufacturing, this industry has shown that profound transformation is possible where there is will,” she noted. 

Empowering women within the industry was another key focus, where Dr. Amarasuriya highlighted the importance of fostering gender equality by promoting women into decision-making and management roles. 

She also advocated for improved working conditions, including access to clean facilities, menstrual health support, and childcare and workplace environments free from harassment. 

“These measures not only enhance productivity, but also contribute to the overall wellbeing and empowerment of women in the workforce,” she said.

As part of the push for sustainability, the Prime Minister praised the global recognition for initiatives such as the world’s first custom-built green apparel factory and Asia’s first carbon-neutral certified factory. 

She called for these sustainability efforts to extend across the entire industry, positioning Sri Lanka as a preferred destination for environmentally conscious brands and consumers.