Strengthening Sri Lanka’s apparel industry through social compliance: GTEX Workshop concludes in Colombo

Saturday, 14 June 2025 00:44 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The International Trade Centre (ITC) supported by the Embassy of Switzerland, successfully concluded a full-day workshop on Social Compliance under the Global Textiles and Clothing Program (GTEX) at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo.

GTEX II program has implemented by the Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDCA) together with the International Trade Centre (ITC) in collaboration with EDB.

The workshop brought together leading apparel exporters, compliance professionals, and policy stakeholders to deepen industry understanding of evolving global regulations and share practical strategies to enhance compliance performance.

Opening remarks were delivered by ITC Fibres, Textiles and Clothing Unit Head Matthias Knappe, Embassy of Switzerland Deputy Head of Mission Olivier Praz, EDB Chairman CEO Mangala Wijesighe, and JAAF Secretary General Yohan Lawrence, who emphasised the strategic importance of compliance in ensuring the long-term competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s apparel sector in global markets.

Key highlights from the agenda included:

A comprehensive overview of the global compliance landscape by ITC GTEX SL Social Compliance Lead Eranthi Premaratne, focusing on frameworks such as SLCP, WRAP, and ETI.

Industry insights through case studies from MAS Holdings (DGM – Compliance and Social Sustainability Shyamali Liyanage) and Brandix Apparel (Senior Manager Vinura Jayawardena), showcasing how local champions are navigating compliance challenges while embedding sustainability and resilience.

An interactive problem – solving workshop led by experts from the Centre for Lean Excellence, enabling participants to collaboratively address recurring factory-level issues.

A hands-on training session on implementing compliance management systems, equipping attendees with practical tools and methodologies to enhance internal audits and supplier monitoring.

A briefing on the Global Textile Academy presented by ITC GTEX SL Navya Wijewickrema, introducing digital learning opportunities for continuous compliance capacity building.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Knappe and GTEX SL National Project Coordinator Roshan Peries, who reiterated ITC’s commitment to supporting Sri Lankan apparel exporters in aligning with international standards while fostering inclusive growth and decent work.

The workshop marked a key step forward in building a resilient, socially responsible supply base in Sri Lanka — one that is ready to meet the demands of a changing global trade environment.

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