Handloom is industry of future: Deputy Minister 

• Highlights significant untapped export potential, especially in premium and sustainable fashion markets at “The Art of Weaving” workshop 
• Calls for greater private sector investment to scale production and commercialise designs
• Focuses on combining creative talent with business expertise to build viable export models
• Says Govt. restructuring EDB, Department of Textiles, Laksala and Salusala to better support sector growth

Sri Lanka’s traditional handloom sector must be repositioned as an “industry of the future” rather than a declining craft, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe said yesterday, highlighting its growing potential to tap into global demand for sustainable, high-value fashion products and generate export earnings.

He made the remarks at “The Art of Weaving” workshop and fashion showcase, jointly organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry and the University of Moratuwa, as part of efforts to revitalise Sri Lanka’s handloom industry and transform it into a globally competitive export sector.

The initiative seeks to preserve Sri Lanka’s rich handloom heritage, while creating greater value for locally designed products in international markets through innovation, quality enhancement and stronger youth participation.

Addressing policymakers, industry stakeholders, designers and academics, Abeysinghe said global consumer preferences are increasingly shifting towards sustainable and natural products, creating a significant opportunity for Sri Lankan handloom manufacturers.

“It is incorrect to regard handloom weaving as a declining industry. It should be recognised as an industry of the future,” he said.

Unlike the apparel industry, Sri Lanka’s handloom sector possesses distinctive patterns, colours and craftsmanship that are uniquely local and difficult to replicate elsewhere, providing the country with a genuine competitive advantage, he noted.

With international demand rising for premium and sustainable fashion, Abeysinghe said the sector has considerable untapped potential to earn foreign exchange and diversify Sri Lanka’s export basket.

He stressed that the industry must move beyond its traditional focus on sarees and explore emerging segments such as casual fashion, resort wear and athleisure and wellness-oriented apparel to capture faster-growing global market opportunities.

The Deputy Minister also called for increased private sector participation and investment to scale up the industry and commercialise innovative designs.

While commending initiatives already being undertaken by universities and industry stakeholders, he said greater collaboration between designers, entrepreneurs and investors is essential to build sustainable business models capable of taking Sri Lankan handloom products to international markets.

“We need to combine the creativity of young designers with business know-how to create innovative business models and transform the sector into a large-scale industry,” he said.

Abeysinghe also disclosed that the Government is restructuring key institutions, including the EDB, the Department of Textiles and State-owned enterprises such as Laksala and Salusala, to provide more effective support to the handloom industry.

The EDB reiterated its commitment to elevating Sri Lanka’s handloom products to international standards through improved quality, innovation and stronger market access, with the ultimate goal of transforming traditional weaving into a sustainable export-driven industry that contributes more significantly to the national economy.

Abeysinghe assured continued Government support for strengthening ties between the University of Moratuwa and the industry, saying such partnerships would be critical in turning Sri Lanka’s handloom heritage into a modern, innovation-led export sector capable of competing globally.

The event brought together policymakers, academics, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, designers, artisans, handloom weavers, students and development partners to explore opportunities for value addition, innovation and export growth across the sector.

Among those present were Additional Secretary – Traditional Industries Subhadra Walpola, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe, University of Moratuwa Faculty of Engineering Dean Jagath Manatunga and Senior Lecturer Thushari Wanniarachchi, alongside representatives from the public and private sectors and students of the university.