Government to Facilitate Growth of Sri Lanka's Garment Industry

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sunil Handuneththi, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting Sri Lanka's apparel industry.

Speaking at the 42nd AGM of the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association, Minister Handuneththi emphasized the importance of the sector, known for its "Garments without Guilt" slogan, which highlights the quality and ethical standards of Sri Lankan apparel.

"Our garment sector is of high quality, and it represents not only the quality of materials but also the excellence of our workforce," Minister Handuneththi stated. He expressed deep concern for the industry's development and called for collective efforts to overcome challenges.

The Minister acknowledged the numerous challenges faced by the apparel industry, including labor issues, intense price pressure on imported raw materials, and high competition in the global market. He assured that the government is committed to providing technical, advisory, and regulatory support to facilitate the industry's growth.

"Importation of raw materials is inevitable, and we are part of the global supply chain. Therefore, we should look forward to a win-win situation to boost this industry," he said. Minister Handuneththi highlighted the ongoing discussions within the industry ministry and advisory committees to address these issues.

Despite the challenges, the Minister encouraged industry stakeholders to remain resilient and optimistic about the future. He declared the government's dedication to taking all necessary steps to develop the apparel industry, ensuring its continued success and contribution to the economy.