Sri Lanka Chamber of Garment Exporters stands by Brandix

The Executive Committee together with members of the Sri Lanka Chamber of Garment Exporters which represents the SMEs in the apparel industry in a statement yesterday extended their solidarity toward the Brandix Group and the total employment specially those who worked at their plant in Yakahatuwa, Minuwangoda.

Following is the statement issued by Chamber’s President Bandula Fernando and General Secretary Hemantha Perera:

“Apparel is one of the major industries which generate the highest foreign exchange within the industrial export sector. They are trying their best to regain such income to strengthen the economy of Sri Lanka while other sectors such as tourism and foreign employment are badly hit due to this COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The apparel industry in no small way contributes to the GDP and has created employment for over 15% from entire working population in our country. The indirect employment provided through this industry should also be taken into consideration. The people have jobs, a way of feeding their families and educating their children because of the companies involved in this industry. 

Brandix is one of the best and leading apparel exporter who is a proud owner for many accolades awarded by Sri Lankan Government and many other reputed organisations here and abroad.  

“In these challenging times we should stand together to overcome this crisis faced by our nation and its economy. We should not create any havoc by any means which will have a direct impact on the business and the people working there or create ripple effect on all of us and the country’s economy. A similar situation could occur at any time to any of our member companies in the country. 

“We the SLCGE as a responsible association representing the SMEs in the apparel industry actively support the health and law enforcement authorities to eradicate the impact of the ‘COVID-19’pandemic. By doing this we helped the national economy in the way of generating foreign exchange which is the need of the day.

“Help them to heal would result in Sri Lanka healing fast as well. Sri Lanka is known around the world to have some of the most amazing, friendly and goodhearted people. Let’s live up to that and help the Brandix to overcome this unfortunate situation.

“Whilst thanking the health authorities and the law enforcing institutions for the timely actions taken to curb this situation, we once again express our solidarity with the Brandix group and all the employees.”