Last week the Netherlands embassy in collaboration with Better Work Sri Lanka Programme, a joint initiative between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), concluded their series on responsible business conduct (RBC) focusing on the apparel sector.

This third session focused on the apparel sector and the importance of dialogue, bringing together a range of industry experts. The event, supported by the Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka (JAAF) saw the participation of high-level representatives who discussed and shared their experience of RBC in practice and the importance of social dialogue.

Social dialogue is critical to the apparel sector in Sri Lanka as it enables all stakeholders to come together and discuss matters related to the industry i.e., safety standards, working conditions, environment and labour standards. It can help to ensure that workers’ welfare is improved, and their rights are protected which in turn promotes stability, enhances productivity, and ensures that the industry operates in a sustainable and socially responsible manner.

Giving the opening remarks at the event the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka and Maldives, Bonnie Horbach said: “Doing business responsibly whether at home or abroad, is something the Netherlands government finds extremely important. What drives this agenda is the sincere wish to do better and acting responsibly. The era of ‘take-make-dispose’ and ‘exponential growth without consequences’ has to be replaced. It’s time for a new era with a greater focus on quality and sustainability. We need to move towards understanding what the impact of a business is, throughout the entire supply chain – both environmental point as well as from a social one.”

Highlighting the importance of social dialogue, Indika Gamage – Group Manager Human Resources Development, Jay Jay Mills Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, spoke on his experience in promoting RBC within the apparel sector in Sri Lanka.

Speaking at the event on the Government of Sri Lanka’s role in embracing RBC,  Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary, Ministry of Industries said that “The Ministry of Industries is focusing on obtaining the International Accreditation Certification and is working with 21 sectors to encourage them to adhere to international standards, whilst also supporting them to obtain certifications. Additionally, since the apparel industry contributes a significant percentage to the export income of Sri Lanka compared to other sectors, we find that adapting to European regulations within this sector is especially important.”

Noting the importance of RBC for the future of Sri Lanka’s trade with the European Union, Lars Bredal, Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives mentioned, “There are new legislations being drafted making it mandatory for European companies to certify that any product received has not in any way contributed to climate change or had a reverse impact on human rights. Sri Lanka has in many ways been ahead of the curve for issues such as child labour, yet Sri Lanka has room to improve in other areas, such as equal pay. It would be best to address these issues before the new legislation enters into force and by doing so secure better access to the European market”

 The panel discussion also consisted of sector experts including  Yohan Lawrence – Secretary General of the Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka (JAAF);  Mathavakala Mathavan – National Project Coordinator, Free Trade Zone & General Services Employees Union; and  Chamila Thushari – General Secretary, Dabindu Collective. The discussion was moderated by  Kesava Murali Kanapathy, Head of Better Work Sri Lanka programme.