New leadership at SLCGE pledges policy advocacy to strengthen SME apparel exports

The newly appointed Executive Committee of the SLCGE for 2026

Seated (from left): Rumesh Perera, Zahid Jafferjee, Cyril Mendis, Hemantha Perera, Nishantha Bakmeege (President), Bandula Fernando (Immediate Past President), Walter Perera, Wasantha Gamage, Rohan Samarakkody

Standing (from left): Rantha Tissera, Harsha Nissanka, Rushan Perera, Denver Jayasundara, Jeremy Enas, Yohan Galahitiyawa, Malinda Ranasinghe, Indika Wijewardena, Menuka Gunawardena, Shehan Olegasageram, Chandana Weerasinghe 

The Sri Lanka Chamber of Garment Exporters (SLCGE) held its 28th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Colombo, marking a significant leadership transition and signalling a renewed policy-driven focus on enhancing the competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s small and medium enterprise (SME) apparel exporters.

A key highlight of the AGM was the conclusion of Bandula Fernando’s distinguished 13-year tenure as President of the Chamber. Widely recognised as a strong voice for SME apparel exporters, Fernando played a pivotal role in advancing industry advocacy, engaging policymakers, and strengthening the Chamber’s national relevance during a period marked by economic shocks, cost pressures, and global market volatility.

During his tenure, Fernando represented the SLCGE on several national-level platforms, including the Ministry of Industries Advisory Committee, the Wages Board, and SLITA, where he contributed to policy dialogue affecting labour, trade facilitation, and industrial development. Under his leadership, the Chamber consistently highlighted the structural challenges faced by SME exporters, including access to finance, cost competitiveness, compliance burdens, and market diversification. The Chamber placed on record its deep appreciation for his commitment and service, noting that his leadership significantly strengthened the visibility and resilience of SME exporters within Sri Lanka’s apparel value chain.

Following the leadership transition, the membership unanimously appointed Nishantha Bakmeege as President of the SLCGE. Previously serving as Vice President, Bakmeege brings a future-oriented perspective shaped by hands-on industry experience and exposure to evolving global apparel trends.

Bakmeege is the Managing Director of Screenline Holdings, overseeing a diversified portfolio that includes IDS Ltd., Salt and Sugar Ltd., Wilds Wilpattu Ltd., and Gaarda, a contemporary apparel brand. Known for his focus on innovation, digitalisation, and sustainability-led manufacturing, he is expected to steer the Chamber towards a more proactive policy engagement agenda, with emphasis on value addition, technology adoption, and improving SME readiness to compete in international markets.

In his address, the incoming President underscored the need for closer collaboration between policymakers and industry to ensure that export growth strategies adequately reflect the realities faced by SME exporters. He noted that improving productivity, easing regulatory bottlenecks, and aligning national export policies with global sourcing trends would be critical to sustaining Sri Lanka’s apparel sector competitiveness.

Strengthening the leadership team further, Sunqueen Apparels Ltd. Managing Director  Rumesh Perera was appointed as the Vice President. A second-generation entrepreneur, Perera brings fresh industry insight and a contemporary business outlook, particularly relevant to the evolving needs of SME exporters navigating global supply chain shifts.

Meanwhile, Isabella and Sarasavi Group Chairman Hemantha Perera will continue as Secretary General of the Chamber. His continued leadership ensures institutional continuity and strategic stability as the SLCGE advances its policy advocacy and member engagement efforts.

The AGM concluded with a fellowship gathering attended by industry representatives and stakeholders, celebrating past leadership while setting the stage for a renewed focus on policy reform, export competitiveness, and sustainable growth for SME apparel exporters.