President Pledges Unwavering Support for Industry Growth: AKD Meets Apparel Leaders Ahead of 2026 Budget

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving national economic targets and pledged unwavering support for the development of industrial infrastructure, citing the country’s current economic stability as a foundation for growth.

The President made these remarks during a discussion held yesterday (11) at the President's Office with stakeholders from the apparel sector, in preparation for the 2026 national budget.

Representatives from the Joint Apparel Associations Forum, the Free Trade Zone Manufacturers’ Association, and small and medium-scale apparel entrepreneurs presented proposals relevant to their sectors for consideration in the upcoming budget.

President Dissanayake emphasized that the government’s goal is to meet future economic development targets based on the prevailing economic stability. He assured that the government will not hesitate to invest in the infrastructure needed by industrialists and investors.

He further stated that every rupee spent by the government will be directed toward high-impact, results-driven investments, aligning with the administration’s policy framework.

Industry stakeholders expressed appreciation for the government’s digitalization initiatives and proposed further development of digital infrastructure to support business operations.

They also noted that currently, 55% of apparel exports consist of value-added products, and expressed confidence that this figure will grow with continued government support. They urged the government to provide the necessary facilities to sustain and expand this progress.

President Dissanayake thanked the stakeholders for their proposals and instructed officials from the Ministry of Finance to study them thoroughly. He also directed them to prepare a roadmap for swift government action and future discussions.