Women in Apparel Industry Are Changemakers : PM

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has praised the significant contributions of Sri Lanka's apparel industry and its predominantly female workforce. 

The Prime Minister highlighted the industry's role in shaping the country's economic landscape and the dedication of the 350,000-strong workforce.

"Your work has been instrumental in shaping Sri Lanka's economic landscape. At the same time, we must celebrate the tireless efforts of the workforce, predominantly women, who form the backbone of this industry," Prime Minister Amarasuriya stated at the 42nd AGM of the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association. 

She emphasized that these women are not just workers but changemakers, supporting families, communities, and the broader economy with resilience and dedication.

The Prime Minister underscored the importance of recognizing and valuing the unpaid contributions of these women, who also shoulder significant care responsibilities at home. She called for improved working conditions, including clean and accessible washrooms, support for menstrual health, childcare, and workplaces free from sexual harassment, to create a dignified and supportive environment for women.

"It is important that all players, big and small, and across the value chain, maintain the same standards in ensuring inclusive, ethical, and sustainable practices within this industry," she added. The Prime Minister acknowledged the apparel industry's ambitious vision to achieve $8 billion in export revenue by 2025 and expressed confidence in its attainability.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya highlighted the need for fostering innovation, investing in sustainability, and empowering people to transform challenges into opportunities. She praised the industry's transformation not only in economic terms but also in ethical and sustainable business practices.

"You have the skills, you have the capacity, you know what needs to be done for your sector. We provide the infrastructure, the social and the financial infrastructure, and the environment to enable you to do what you do and do that even better than you are doing right now," she concluded.