“Sri Lanka’s retail apparel market today is estimated to be in the region of US$ 2 billion. 40% of this market share is contributed by Sri Lankan brands. We thus felt that the time was opportune to rebrand ourselves. We have rebranded to gain greater recognition as we assert ourselves in the industry and market place as an association which encourages branded quality products for the consumer”, said SLABA’s new Chairman Indradatta Dharmawardane.

Sri Lanka Apparel represents professional industry companies consisting of apparel manufacturers, accessory & fabric manufacturers, support services, buying offices & buyer’s representative and other ancillary apparel related businesses out of Sri Lanka. This combined voice and joint effort provide an ideal single window of opportunity for buyers and investors who seek high-end ethical manufacturing solutions with complete backward integration to complement their supply chain.

Committed to promoting industry best practices in health, safety, operation and the environment, SLABA envisages the creation of a voluntary, non-legally binding framework to facilitate the development of the branded apparel industry in Sri Lanka.

The Association plans to expand market opportunities through the introduction of International Market Places (as in Thailand, Indonesia and China) for tourists and business travelers with a variety catering to all segments. SLABA will also shape the policies that impact the apparel industry in the domestic market through dynamic lobbying with both government and non-government organizations.

The key note speech was delivered by Anura Siriwardena, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in the ceremony. Parliamentarians Duminda Silva and Anoma Gamage also participated in this occasion.(kh/dn)