President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake last week advised Government officials to identify the challenges faced by the apparel industry, which is a major income generator for the country, and take immediate steps to solve these issues.

A discussion aimed at solving the issues that have arisen in the apparel industry and identifying the negative effects that have affected the job security of those engaged in the industry was held on Thursday at the President’s Office under the chairmanship of President’s Secretary Ekanayake, on the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

In Sri Lanka, the apparel sector is one of the leading export-oriented industries. The President’s Secretary explained at length the need to work in a strategic manner to overcome the setbacks and reach for competitive market goals.

Special attention was focussed on foreign exchange and raw material issues in the face of the country’s financial situation and its effects on the apparel industry.

The heads of the garment sector had assured the President’s Secretary that they are committed to protecting the garment industry, despite the current challenges, and would take all measures to protect the apparel industry.

The President’s Secretary told the officials to submit urgent solutions and suggestions in this regard, adding that he is ready to take the necessary decisions through regular discussions. Industry Ministry Secretary J.M.T. Jayasundara, Labour and Foreign Employment Ministry Secretary R.P.A. Wimalaweera, Treasury Deputy Secretary Sarath Kumara and several secretaries of line ministries, and Export Development Board Chairman Suresh de Mel, Board of Investment Director General Renuka Weerakoon, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chairman Vish Govindaswamy, Chief Economist Shiran Fernando, and the principal officers of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) representing the Sri Lanka Apparel Brands Association were among those who attended the discussion.

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