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Sri Lanka’s apparel industry aims for vertical integration and stronger trade ties, says FAAMA chairman

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Group photo Executive committee members of 2023/2024

The newly appointed Chairman of the Fabric Apparel Accessory Manufacturers Association (FAAMA), Sahan Rajapakse, highlighted the importance of strengthening vertical integration and import substitution of textiles as the way forward for the industry.

Speaking at the 16th Annual General Meeting of the Association, the Chairman of FAAMA noted that the country currently imports most of its fabric requirements and raw materials, amounting to USD 2 billion annually.

“We have tremendous potential in the country. Most of our fabric requirements are imported, which include 10% synthetic fabrics and approximately 50% cotton. Only roughly 10% are produced domestically. When we look at it from a numerical perspective, there’s a significant market share we can capture. But it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about how we redefine the industry, position our country, and introduce innovation. It’s about creating true vertical integration, encompassing lead times, pricing, and industry flexibility. At FAAMA, we can seize this potential, establish true vertical integration, and expand into the global market and supply chain,” Rajapaksa stressed.

FAAMA also highlighted the sector’s risk brought about by the removal of SVAT, citing that it will lead to apparel manufacturers seeking to import more raw materials rather than purchasing them locally from FAAMA membership. This could result in 15% of their purchase costs becoming entangled in a lengthy refund process.

Meanwhile, the outgoing Chairman of FAAMA, Pubudu De Silva, thanked the membership for their commitment and resilience showcased amidst the economic crisis and COVID pandemic. He noted that the country has immense potential to strengthen its ability to source materials closer to home.

“I believe that we can contribute even greater value to addressing the challenges within the industry. At FAAMA, we aspire to go beyond simply promoting Sri Lanka as a destination. We aim to position the apparel industry as a comprehensive vertical solution. In every solution we offer, we must emphasize our country’s identity as a hub for this industry.”

Chairman of the Joint Apparel Association Forum, the apex body of the apparel sector, Sharad Amalean, noted that while the industry is facing a drop in orders, the importance of vertical integration cannot be overlooked. Strengthening Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with neighbouring countries like India is essential if the sector is to develop and compete with the likes of Bangladesh.

“We mustn’t overlook the opportunity to engage in trade with our close neighbour, India. There’s a substantial market right there, and we need to strategize on how to become an integral part of it. Currently, we import a significant amount of Indian yarn and fabric, yet our access to duty-free trade with India is severely restricted. This is a challenge that we at JAAF have taken head-on, engaging directly with the President and the Chief Negotiator to strengthen our Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India.”



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Stealer malware leaked over 2 million bank cards

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The number of infections with data-stealing malware, 2020-2024 (Source: Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence)

Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence estimates that 2.3 million bank cards were leaked on the dark web, based on an analysis of data-stealing malware log files from 2023-2024. On average, every 14th infostealer infection results in stolen credit card information, with nearly 26 million devices compromised by infostealers, including more than 9 million in 2024 alone. Kaspersky released its report on the infostealer threat landscape while the technology world gathers at MWC 2025 in Barcelona.

Kaspersky experts estimate that approximately 2,300,000 bank cards have been leaked on the dark web. This conclusion is based on an analysis of the log files from data-stealing malware, dated 2023-2024, that were leaked on the dark web market. While globally the share of leaked cards is well below one percent, 95% of the observed numbers appear technically valid.

Infostealer malware is not only designed to extract financial information, but also credentials, cookies and other valuable user data, which is compiled into log files and then distributed within the dark web underground community. An infostealer can infect a device if a victim unknowingly downloads and runs a malicious file, for example one disguised as legitimate software, such as a game cheat. It can be spread through phishing links, compromised websites, malicious attachments in emails or messengers and various other methods. It targets both personal and corporate devices.

On average, every 14th infostealer infection results in stolen credit card information. Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence experts found that nearly 26 million devices running Windows were infected with various types of infostealers in the past two years.

“The actual number of infected devices is even higher. Cybercriminals often leak stolen data in the form of log files months or even years after the initial infection, and compromised credentials and other information continue to surface on the dark web over time. Therefore, the more time passes, the more infections from previous years we observe. We forecast the total number of devices infected with infostealer malware in 2024 to be between 20 million and 25 million, while for 2023, the estimate ranges between 18 million and 22 million,” says Sergey Shcherbel, expert at Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence.

In 2024, Redline remained the most widespread infostealer, accounting for 34% of the total number of infections.

The most significant surge in 2024 was in infections caused by Risepro, whose share of total infections increased from 1.4% in 2023 to almost 23% in 2024. “RisePro is a growing threat. It was first discovered two years ago but seems to be gaining momentum. The stealer primarily targets banking card details, passwords and cryptocurrency wallet data, and may be spreading under the guise of key generators, cracks for various software and game mods,” explains Sergey Shcherbel. Another rapidly growing stealer is Stealc, which first appeared in 2023 and increased its share from nearly 3% to 13%.

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ComBank’s 2023 Annual Report tops Banking sector at ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards

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Commercial Bank Chief Operating Officer S. Prabagar and members of the senior management accepting one of the ACCA awards.

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon’s prowess in comprehensive disclosure of sustainability-related information to stakeholders has won its 2023 Annual Report two top awards at the 2025 Sustainability Reporting Awards presented by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

The Bank was adjudged the overall runner-up and the winner in the Banking category at these awards, repeating the achievement of its 2022 Annual Report which was similarly honoured by the ACCA last year.

The ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards recognise Annual Reports that clearly acknowledge and explain the economic, environmental and social impacts of the business to internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating the organisation’s policies, targets and long-term objectives towards the goal of sustainable development.

Commercial Bank’s 2023 Annual Report also won two Golds, a Silver and a Bronze at CA Sri Lanka’s ‘TAGS’ Awards 2024, excelling in the key aspects recognised by the awards programme which is dedicated to Transparency, Accountability, Governance, and Sustainability – TAGS.

The Bank won the Gold for ‘Corporate Governance Disclosure’ in the Financial Services sector, the Gold for the Best Annual Report among the private sector banks, the Silver for ‘Digitally Transformative Reporting’ across all sectors, and the overall Bronze award for Excellence in Corporate Reporting.

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UTE Delivers Sri Lanka’s Largest Cat D8 Tractor to NEM Construction

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(From left to right) Deepthi Hewageegana (CEO - UTE), Mani Rajan (Director Distribution - India), Joe Moscato (Vice President - Distribution - Japan & Asia South (India & SE Asia) Caterpillar Inc), Raja Nanayakkara (Chairman / MD - NEM Construction), Prasan Fernando (Chairman - UTE), Priath Fernando - (Director - UTE), Duminda Perera (Senior General Manager - Operations)

Caterpillar equipment dealer UTE has delivered the country’s largest Cat D8 Track-Type Tractor to NEM Construction Pvt. Ltd., marking a significant milestone in heavy machinery. This delivery strengthens the long-standing partnership between UTE and NEM Construction, which spans over 45 years. The Cat D8 is expected to boost operational efficiency in large-scale projects. As the sole authorized dealer for Caterpillar in Sri Lanka, UTE continues to provide top-tier machinery and after-sales support. The handover is particularly notable as Caterpillar celebrates its 100th anniversary. NEM Construction’s Chairman, Raja Nanayakkara, praised the Cat D8’s superior performance and UTE’s unmatched service and parts support, which have been key to the company’s long-term collaboration. This purchase highlights the continued trust in both Caterpillar and UTE’s expertise in supporting Sri Lanka’s construction industry.

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