News
Apparel exports show growth
Sri Lanka’s Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) has reported modest year-on-year growth for the country’s apparel exports in September 2025, driven by stronger performance in the European Union and other markets, despite declines in shipments to the United States and United Kingdom, said a report by The Knitting Industry on Friday.
Historically, September figures are lower than those in August, and total exports for the month amounted to US$ 403.01 million, up 1.58% from US$ 396.73 million in September 2024. Exports to the USA and UK fell by 4.71% and 15.06% respectively, while the EU rose 10.75% and other destinations grew by 19.49%.
Over the first nine months of 2025, total apparel exports reached US$ 3,798.25 million, marking a 6.83% increase compared to US$ 3,555.54 million for the same period in 2024.
Exports to the United States grew 1.73% to US$ 1,461.02 million, while the EU (excluding the UK) achieved 14.24% growth to US$ 1,173.21 million. Shipments to the United Kingdom increased 2.31% to US$ 533.73 million, and other markets expanded 10.45% to US$ 630.29 million.
JAAF highlighted the resilience and adaptability of Sri Lanka’s apparel exporters, citing efficiency, innovation, and market diversification as key drivers of cumulative growth. The Association reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Government of Sri Lanka and industry stakeholders to support small and medium manufacturers and sustain the country’s position as a reliable, ethical, and future-ready sourcing destination.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation to appoint Ms. P. M. Jayadeera (Engineer) in the Special Grade of Sri Lanka Engineering Service serving at present as the Additional Secretary (Water Resources Development) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation to the post of Director General which will be vacant from 06.10.2026.
Approval has been granted at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on 08.06.2026 to prepare a draft bill for restructuring Sri Lanka Cricket.
Accordingly, the Legal Draftsman has formulated Sri Lanka draft bill providing legal provisions for the administration of Sri
Lanka Cricket, control, regulation, promotion, establishment of Sri Lanka Cricket for the development and administration, through the concepts of better governance, integrity, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness and providing equal opportunities for the betterment of the cricket sport, establishment of Sri Lanka Cricket for securing the wellbeing of all participants and securing cricket from corruption and other mal practices.
Clearance of the Attorney General has been received for the said draft bill. Approval of the Cabinet of Ministers has been received for the resolution furnished by the Minister of
Youth Affairs and Sports to publish the said draft bill in the government gazette notification and thereby forward the same to the Parliament for its concurrence.
The Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation performs vitally important functions such as minimizing the risk of inundation in urban and lowland areas, maintaining drainage systems efficiently, carrying out urgent operations during inundation events, and maintaining canals.
The need to strengthen the capacity of the corporation’s internal
operations has been identified by the corporation to perform the aforementioned functions efficiently and expeditiously.
The corporation has planned to purchase small -scale machinery that can be used to clean small canals, which significantly contribute to urban inundation.
The General Treasury has agreed to grant 625 million rupees as an equity contribution for purchasing the relevant machinery.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution submitted by the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development to purchase the relevant machinery by the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation, following formal procurement procedures at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,233
million, utilizing the aforementioned amount granted by the General Treasury and the funds of the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation.
Ms. P. M. Jayadeera (Engineer) appointed Director General of Irrigation
Sri Lanka Cricket Draft Bill to be gazetted
Cabinet approves purchase of machinery for the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation
Cabinet approval for Project to Build Secure, Skilled, and Empowered Community for families resettled at the at Kalinga Mawatha, housing scheme
Appointment of Cabinet Sub-Committee for the Organization of 79th Independence Day Commemoration
Establishment of New Management Framework for the Dr. Nevil Fernando Hospital
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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