Business
Twenty five per cent decline in apparel exports expected this year
by Hiran H. Senewiratne
The decline in our total apparel exports would be by 25 percent this year on account of the pandemic. This would make a considerable dent in the US $ 4 billion foreign exchange earned annually through apparel exports. But the apparel sector will be able to come out of this crisis stronger than before due to government support, Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) chairman A.Sukumaran said.
Sukumaran was addressing a media round table conference on Tuesday at the Movenpick hotel in Colombo.
He said that JAAF expects further demand contractions that could result in reductions in apparel exports by an additional 30-40 percent after June, in its best-case scenario.
Sukumaran said that Covid 19 affects the apparel supply chain, the export market and due to that the industry is unable to fulfil certain obligations.
” Our industry also builds on three pillars; one is being a reliable supplier and all business practices follow high ethical standards.”
‘The apparel sector is the single largest exporter contributing seven percent to the country’s GDP. When it comes to industrial exports it contributes 59 percent. The industry’s total export earnings is 49 percent, he said.
‘Following this, the social stigma surrounding apparel workers too was expected to have an impact on the apparel sector, Brandix chairman Ashroff Omar said.
He said that his Minuwangoda factory is functioning on a small scale even after detecting the first Covid 19 patient in October. ” We are looking after all employees and police, CID, PHIs, Labour Department and other relevant parties are closely watching our operations, which follow all Health Ministry protocols, Omar said.
‘Most of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the sector depend on fabrics and accessories supplied from China and the disruption of the supply chain due to the global outbreak of the virus affected exporters severely in the first half of this year, former JAAF chairman Noel Piyathilake said.
He said that there are 81 factories out of which 37 are direct exporters and 41 subcontractors, which provide 25000 employment and 15 percent export earnings. “The SME sector is also supporting the informal sector as well. If the SME sector is affected those informal sectors also suffer, Piyathilake said.
Sri Lanka last year earned US $ 5.3 billion from apparel exports, an increase of 5.1 per cent from 2018. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic the industry originally expected a 6 percent increase in exports for 2020.
Export earnings from apparel and textiles in October declined by 18.93 percent to US $ 356.52 million and by 21 percent to US $ 3.6 billion in the first 10 months of 2020 from a year earlier.
Associated Motorways (AMW), Yamaha’s exclusive Sri Lankan distributor for over 75 years, celebrated the brand’s grand return after a five-year hiatus due to import restrictions. Marking the occasion, AMW hosted a groundbreaking fashion-themed launch event on 14th June 2025 at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, unveiling a new lineup of fuel-efficient motorcycles and scooters, including the standout Yamaha RayZR 125 (71km/l).
Beyond specs, Yamaha’s “Built to Ride” campaign highlights the passion and resilience of Sri Lankan riders, focusing on emotion over mechanics. Andre Bonthuys, AMW’s Group Managing Director, emphasized Yamaha’s commitment to redefining the riding experience. Backed by AMW’s service excellence and global “Kando” philosophy, Yamaha’s return promises to revitalize Sri Lanka’s two-wheeler market with performance, innovation, and style.
In a historic move that redefines rural financial security, Pelwatte Dairy Industries has announced the launch of Sri Lanka’s first pension scheme for dairy farmers, reinforcing its commitment to both national self-sufficiency and the welfare of the farming community.
Pelwatte Dairy, one of Sri Lanka’s foremost homegrown dairy brands, has long been a pillar in the push to replace imported dairy with locally produced milk, saving the nation billions in foreign exchange. Milk powder production is expected to increase by 80% upon completion of the new Kurunegala processing facility, supporting local demand and opening up new export opportunities.
This landmark pension initiative will benefit over 30,000 registered dairy farmers working with Pelwatte. Designed to offer financial stability post-retirement, the scheme ensures these vital contributors to Sri Lanka’s food security can live out their later years with dignity and peace of mind. Additional benefits will support health, education, and safety for the farmers’ families setting a new standard for agricultural welfare in the region.
“This is a defining milestone not just for Pelwatte, but for the entire Sri Lankan dairy sector,” said Ariyasheela Wickramanayake, Chairman of Pelwatte Dairy. “It is our corporate responsibility to safeguard those who work tirelessly to feed the nation.”
Akmal Wickramanayake, Managing Director, added: “We see this as more than a welfare initiative. It’s an investment in rural development, sustainable agriculture, and national economic resilience.”
CEEDECS Lanka Holdings Pvt. Ltd., a leading Sri Lankan construction firm, has been honored with the Best National Industry Brand Award in the Mining and Allied Industry Sector (Medium Scale) at the National Industry Brand Excellence Awards, organized by the Industrial Development Board. The award recognizes their eco-friendly brand, Harithaweli Ready Mix, which offers sustainable alternatives to traditional sand-based construction materials.
Founded in 1999 and based in Mahara, Kadawatha, CEEDECS has over 20 years of expertise in construction, consultancy, and design. Harithaweli’s products—including Ready-Mix Plaster, Waterproof Solutions, and Tile Adhesives—are durable, affordable, and environmentally friendly, gaining popularity among builders and contractors.
With 21 showrooms nationwide and multiple quality certifications, CEEDECS continues to expand its reach.
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