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Sri Lanka’s apparel industry charts a course for growth

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SLAEA1: (From Right) Deputy Chairperson Jeevith Senaratne, JAAF Chairman, Saifuddin Jafferjee, US Ambassador Julie Chung, newly appointed SLAEA Chairperson, Rajitha Jayasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Immediate Past Chairman Indika Liyanahewage, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chaturanga Abeysinghe, and SLAEA Treasurer, Hasib Omar

The Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA) held its 42nd Annual General Meeting, reaffirming its commitment to driving the industry forward amid evolving global challenges. Rajitha Jayasuriya officially assumed the role of Chairperson, pledging to strengthen Sri Lanka’s position as a trusted, ethical, and innovative apparel sourcing destination.

The other incoming office bearers appointed on the day are: ⁠Deputy Chairperson: Jeevith Senaratne, ⁠Treasurer: Hasib Omar, and ⁠Immediate Past Chairman: Indika Liyanahewage.

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, attended as the Chief Guest, accompanied by Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunneththi and U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to growth and international collaboration.

Navigating challenges, Seizing opportunities

Addressing the gathering, incoming SLAEA Chairperson Rajitha Jayasuriya highlighted the resilience of Sri Lanka’s apparel sector despite economic headwinds and shifting global market dynamics.

“Our industry has withstood crises with remarkable determination, thanks to the dedication of our 350,000-strong workforce. However, to sustain growth, we must embrace technology, diversify our export markets, and strengthen our local supply chain. A proactive approach to innovation and policy reforms is essential if we are to remain competitive,” Jayasuriya stated.

She also emphasized the importance of strategic government support. “We need policies that attract investment into local fabric manufacturing, remove barriers to trade, and enhance ease of doing business. Strengthening Sri Lanka’s supply chain capabilities will ensure that our manufacturers remain resilient and agile.”

Govt’s commitment to industry growth

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya acknowledged the sector’s critical role in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and its potential for further expansion.

“The apparel industry is more than just an economic driver; it is a symbol of Sri Lanka’s resilience, innovation, and global connectivity. My administration is committed to creating a policy framework that supports apparel exporters, enhances trade agreements, and ensures that our workforce thrives in a rapidly changing global economy,” she said.

She further stressed the need for industry-government collaboration. “We recognize the challenges posed by global market shifts, digital transformation, and sustainability demands. Our goal is to work closely with the SLAEA and industry leaders to implement policies that strengthen Sri Lanka’s competitiveness while upholding ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices.”

Future-focused strategy

Jayasuriya outlined key priorities for the SLAEA under her leadership:

Technology & innovation: Encouraging automation, digitalization, and AI-driven solutions to enhance productivity and transparency.

Market diversification: Reducing dependence on traditional markets by exploring emerging economies and new trade opportunities.

Workforce development: Investing in skills training and policies that empower workers, particularly women, to drive long-term industry growth.

Policy advocacy: Strengthening trade agreements and improving business-friendly regulations to attract investment.

“The global apparel landscape is shifting, and Sri Lanka must stay ahead of the curve. This means being adaptable, innovative, and strategic in how we engage with international markets,” Jayasuriya concluded.

As Sri Lanka’s leading export sector, apparel remains a pillar of economic stability, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings. With strong industry leadership and government support, the SLAEA is poised to drive the sector toward a future of sustained growth and global recognition.



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VIMAN Street Cricket Cup 2025 by John Keells Properties concludes

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The VIMAN Street Cricket Cup 2025, an initiative by John Keells Properties in collaboration with Sri Lanka women’s cricket legend, Chamari Athapaththu, successfully concluded on the 2nd of February 2025 at the BOI Cricket Ground in Katunayake. Designed to encourage and support women’s cricket at the grassroots level, the tournament reflected a strong commitment to identifying and nurturing talent while creating opportunities for emerging female players across Sri Lanka.

Bringing together aspiring young cricketers from diverse backgrounds, the event served as a visible platform for schoolgirls to showcase their skills, compete at a high level, and take their first steps toward a potential future in cricket.

Chamari Athapaththu

The event drew a large crowd, comprising of students from participating schools, parents, and many more, from the local community in Gampaha. The matches were played in a tournament format, concluding with the semi-finals and finals. The competition was divided into Under 16 and Under 19 categories, with the Under 16 title claimed by Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo, while Nenamal Royal College, Mawaramandiya finished as the runners-up. In the Under 19 category, Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda secured the championship title, with Rathnavali Balika Vidyalaya, Gampaha finishing as runners-up. The enthusiastic turnout clearly showed the growing momentum behind women’s cricket in Sri Lanka and reinforced the importance of platforms such as the VIMAN Street Cricket Cup in inspiring young women cricketers.

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El Teb Estate: A timeless icon of Sri Lanka’s tea legacy

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Nestled in the hills of Sri Lanka’s picturesque Uva Province, El Teb Estate is a living testament to the rich history, relentless innovation and deep-rooted community values that define the island’s tea industry. With a heritage spanning over a century, El Teb Estate embodies the spirit of resilience and excellence, producing some of the finest teas sought after by tea connoisseurs all over the world.

El Teb Estate’s story begins in 1896 with Captain Hamilton Gordon of the Gordon Highlanders, a soldier turned planter who traded his military glory for the lush plantations of Uva. His first encounter with the island came as aide-de-camp to Governor Sir Arthur Gordon (later Lord Stanmore), where he was deeply enchanted by Sri Lanka’s natural beauty. Through George Steuart & Co., he was introduced to J.J. Robinson, who guided him to Heathstock, a humble cardamom estate nestled along the Madulsima road four miles from Passara. Captivated by its potential, Captain Gordon, fondly known as “El Teb Gordon”, acquired the property and renamed it “El Teb” as homage to his military past at the Battle of El Teb in Sudan (1884), where he had served with distinction.

Evolution of a Landmark Estate

Over the years, his vision transformed El Teb into a thriving estate, consolidating nearby lands like Deyanawatte and Galbokke, while keeping Heathstock as the nucleus. Some of these acquisitions came about in colourful ways—legend has it that Gordon bought Deyanawatte from a traveler at the Badulla Club for £50 without the seller even knowing where the estate was located.

Other significant additions included Devenick, an abandoned coffee estate, and portions of St. Mary’s and Kitulkellie. His knack for recognizing opportunity led to the estate’s rapid expansion, including ventures into tea, coffee, and rubber cultivation. Gordon’s innovative spirit, from introducing labor-friendly practices such as serving hot tea during morning muster, to experimenting with crop diversification, reinforced his reputation as a pioneering planter.

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FitsAir expands Dhaka operations with additional weekly flights

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FitsAir, Sri Lanka’s leading low-cost airline, is pleased to announce the expansion of its Colombo-Dhaka service with the addition of two new weekly flights. Previously operating three times a week, the enhanced schedule will now offer five weekly flights, providing passengers with greater travel flexibility and convenience.

The additional flights will operate from February 15 to March 29, 2025, with departures on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This improved frequency ensures more seamless travel for both business and leisure passengers flying between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at the most affordable rate.

“As Sri Lanka’s first privately-owned international airline, our mission is to deliver affordable, reliable, and on-time travel experiences,” said Ammar Kassim, Executive Director of FitsAir. He further stated, “Expanding our Dhaka operations is a significant step in strengthening regional connectivity, and with increased frequency, passengers now have more travel options, flexibility, and affordability. We are already planning to raise the frequency to six flights per week during the upcoming summer season.”

FitsAir has been expanding its footprint across key regional destinations. In addition to Dhaka, the airline operates daily flights to Dubai and Malé and three weekly flights to Chennai, ensuring passengers have access to a growing network of popular travel routes.

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