Sri Lanka hosts 15th Textile Series of Exhibitions to strengthen apparel industry growth

• Three-day exhibition brings together global textile suppliers and 
• Sri Lankan manufacturers to drive innovation and industry growth

By Amira Cader

The 15th Sri Lankan Edition of the Textile Series of Exhibitions officially opened at the Sri Lanka Exhibition & Convention Centre (SLECC) yesterday, bringing together global textile technology providers, apparel manufacturers and industry leaders to strengthen Sri Lanka’s textile and garment sector.

The inauguration ribbon- cutting ceremony was attended by Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti and Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe who graced the occasion as chief guests.

The three-day exhibition, organised by CEMS-Global USA, serves as a key platform connecting international suppliers of textile machinery, fabrics, yarns, dyes, chemicals and accessories with Sri Lanka’s globally recognised apparel manufacturing industry.

Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti stressed the importance of creating opportunities for new enterprises, startups and innovation within Sri Lanka’s industrial landscape.

“For the industry to grow further, we must encourage innovation and create more opportunities for entrepreneurs and new businesses to contribute to industrial development,” he said.

Handunnetti noted that platforms such as the Textile Series of Exhibitions help strengthen the ‘Made in Sri Lanka’ brand by connecting the local apparel industry with global technology providers and investors.

He further highlighted that the apparel sector plays a significant role in Sri Lanka’s economy and GDP and that strengthening the industry will support the country’s broader economic recovery.

Handunnetti also emphasised the need to effectively utilise financial support received from international institutions, including the World Bank, to promote industrial development and productivity.

“We must use the support extended to us wisely by investing in sectors such as apparel that have strong global demand, so that we can strengthen the economy and create the growth needed to meet our financial obligations,” he said.

He added that strengthening the apparel industry through innovation, investment and technology adoption will help position Sri Lanka as a more competitive and resilient global manufacturing hub.

Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe highlighted the importance of technology adoption, innovation and stronger collaboration across the supply chain to drive the next phase of growth in Sri Lanka’s apparel sector.

“Sri Lanka’s apparel industry has built a strong reputation as an ethical and high-quality supplier, with exports reaching around $ 5 billion. However, there remains significant potential for expansion, and the integration of technology, fabrics, accessories and machinery will help make our industry more competitive,” he said.

He noted that the Government is committed to creating a more stable and investment-friendly economic environment while encouraging global suppliers to partner with Sri Lankan companies or establish operations in the country.

Abeysinghe also pointed to policy initiatives including a new tariff framework and closer public–private collaboration with industry bodies, aimed at supporting the sector’s transition from mass manufacturing towards innovation, design development and higher-value apparel production.

He also stressed the importance of diversifying export markets beyond traditional destinations such as the United States and the United Kingdom, encouraging the industry to explore emerging opportunities in countries such as New Zealand, Japan and Australia.

Handunnetti and Abeysinghe also toured the exhibition halls, viewing the latest textile machinery, fabrics, accessories and materials displayed by international exhibitors, including stall holders from India, China and Sri Lankan suppliers.

The ceremony was hosted by CEMS-Global USA Group CEO S.S. Sarwar, also present as special guests were Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) Chairman Felix A. Fernando, Secretary General Yohan Lawrence and Fabric Apparel Accessory Manufacturers Association (FAAMA) Chairman Husni Salieh.

Sarwar said the exhibition reflects the long-standing partnership between global textile technology providers and Sri Lanka’s apparel industry. It was noted that Sri Lanka remains one of the most respected apparel manufacturing hubs in the region.

“Sri Lanka’s apparel sector is globally recognised for its quality, ethical manufacturing standards and professionalism. Through this exhibition, we aim to further strengthen connections between international suppliers and Sri Lankan manufacturers while supporting the industry’s future growth and technological advancement,” he added.

JAAF Chairman Felix A. Fernando emphasised the importance of strengthening collaboration across the apparel ecosystem.

“Sri Lanka’s apparel sector has long been distinguished by its ability to operate as a cohesive ecosystem where manufacturers, industry bodies, service providers, policymakers and supply chain partners’ work in alignment towards common goals. This spirit of cooperation has enabled the industry to build credibility, maintain stability and navigate changing global environments with confidence,” he said.

He also added that countries such as Vietnam have gained greater global exposure through strong industry promotion and international engagement, noting that Sri Lanka must continue to expand its global reach and create more opportunities for collaboration and investment to further strengthen the sector.

JAAF Secretary General Yohan Lawrence highlighted the growing importance of industry platforms that connect stakeholders with global technologies and knowledge.

“In a global context where regulatory expectations, compliance requirements, sustainability standards and buyer demands continue to evolve, access to technology, innovation and knowledge-sharing platforms becomes increasingly important,” he said.

FAAMA Chairman Husni Salieh noted that the exhibition plays a vital role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s textile ecosystem by linking global suppliers with local manufacturers.

Salieh noted that FAAMA members contribute significantly to the country’s apparel export earnings.

“Our sector contributes nearly $ 1 billion out of the $ 5 billion generated by Sri Lanka’s apparel industry. Greater exposure through international platforms like this will create more opportunities for manufacturers while encouraging growth with fewer barriers and stronger global connections,” he added.

The exhibition marks the continuation of a 15-year journey connecting Sri Lanka’s apparel sector with the global textile manufacturing ecosystem. Over the years, the event has evolved into one of Asia’s important industry platforms supporting innovation, sourcing and strategic partnerships.

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry continues to hold a respected position in the global apparel landscape, recognised for its quality manufacturing, ethical production standards and responsible supply chain practices.

The exhibition will run until 7 March and is open to the public, featuring international exhibitors showcasing the latest developments in textile machinery, fabrics, accessories, dyestuffs and textile chemicals for the apparel manufacturing sector.

- Pix by Shehan Gunasekera