Sri Lanka opens first country pavilion at Source Fashion Apparel Exhibition, London

Saturday, 31 January 2026 00:39 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK Nimal Senadheera (left), and UK’s Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka Lord Hannett of Everton OBE, officially open the

Sri Lanka pavilion at Source Fashion Apparel Exhibition, London

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry marked a milestone with its first country pavilion at Source Fashion 2026. The exhibition was held from 13 to 15 January 2026 at Olympia London, one of Europe’s leading apparel sourcing events.

The pavilion was officially inaugurated on 13 January with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the UK Nimal Senadheera and UK’s Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka Lord Hannett of Everton OBE presided over the event. Apparel and fashion industry representatives, exhibitors, invitees, and officials from the EDB Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka High Commission in London attended the ceremony.

Sri Lanka’s participation was jointly organised by the EDB, Sri Lanka apparel industry, and the Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK. The objective was to strengthen trade ties, expand buyer networks, and position Sri Lanka as a preferred sourcing destination for the UK and European markets.

Twenty Sri Lankan apparel booths, including 12 SMEs, showcased locally manufactured apparel, textiles, handmade products, and value-added solutions for both industrial and consumer use.

The pavilion highlighted manufacturers and designers offering high-quality, ethically produced collections. Sustainability, transparency, innovation, and long-term partnerships were central themes.

Exhibitors included Star Garments Group, Insomnia, JK Garments, New Universe Clothing SL, Protector Clothing Manufacturers, Janasri Mills, Pridemo Apparel, Senvin Collection, True Digital Printing, Concord Manufacturing, Kobithan Garments, Hayleys Free Zone, JAS Activewear, Krisherert Holdings, Jia Moda, Randhi International, “Creative Sri Lanka” booth, and the EDB booth.

Sri Lankan apparel also featured prominently in a series of Source Fashion Catwalk Shows highlighting the country’s design and manufacturing capabilities alongside world-class international apparel showcased at the event.

Sri Lanka’s presence at Source Fashion, London 2026 was further strengthened by new trade opportunities which are available for Sri Lanka with zero import duty created under the UKs Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) mainly due to its flexible or liberalised Rules of Origin which are effective from 1 January 2026, as already announced by the UK. The announced flexibility will create greater opportunities for the competitive enhancement from Sri Lankan apparel exports into the UK market under its DCTS concessions.

Sri Lanka’s participation underscored its growing reputation as a trusted, sustainable, resilient, and innovative apparel sourcing destination. It reflected global market expectations, evolving supply chain requirements, and the Government of Sri Lanka’s vision for export and industry promotion in overseas markets.