Sri Lanka Textile Series Exhibition opened in Colombo this week, bringing together international textile technology providers, apparel manufacturers, and industry leaders to strengthen innovation and long-term growth in the country’s globally recognised garment sector.
Sri Lanka Textile Series Exhibition connects global suppliers with local manufacturers
The 15th Sri Lankan edition of the exhibition began at the Sri Lanka Exhibition & Convention Centre, drawing participants from across the global textile ecosystem. The three-day event serves as a strategic platform linking international suppliers of fabrics, machinery, yarns, dyes, chemicals, and accessories with Sri Lanka’s apparel manufacturing industry, which remains a key contributor to national exports and economic development.
The official inauguration ceremony was attended by Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, and Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, who presided as chief guests. Both officials emphasized the importance of strengthening the industrial base while encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship to support sustainable economic growth.
Minister Handunnetti highlighted that initiatives such as the Sri Lanka Textile Series Exhibition create valuable opportunities for new enterprises and startups to engage with international industry leaders. He stressed that innovation and collaboration will be essential if the country’s manufacturing sector is to expand and remain competitive in the global apparel market.
The minister also noted that Sri Lanka’s apparel industry plays a vital role in the national economy, contributing significantly to export earnings and employment. By strengthening technological capacity and fostering global partnerships, the country aims to enhance its reputation as a high-quality and responsible manufacturing hub.
He further explained that financial assistance from international institutions, including the World Bank, must be strategically invested in productive sectors with strong export potential. According to him, targeted investments in industries such as apparel can help generate the economic growth needed to stabilize the country’s financial outlook and meet long-term obligations.
Deputy Minister Abeysinghe also addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of technological advancement and stronger collaboration across the supply chain to drive the next stage of development in Sri Lanka’s garment industry.
Sri Lanka’s apparel sector has already established a strong global reputation for ethical manufacturing and high-quality production standards. With exports valued at approximately five billion US dollars, the industry remains one of the country’s most important foreign exchange earners. However, Abeysinghe pointed out that there remains significant potential for expansion through greater adoption of advanced technologies and innovative manufacturing processes.
The deputy minister also emphasized the government’s commitment to creating a stable and investment-friendly economic environment. Authorities are encouraging international suppliers and investors to partner with Sri Lankan manufacturers or establish local operations, which could strengthen supply chain integration and boost industrial productivity.
Policy reforms are also being introduced to support this transition. Abeysinghe highlighted the development of a new tariff framework and stronger collaboration between the government and industry associations, measures intended to facilitate the sector’s evolution from mass manufacturing toward higher-value production, design innovation, and specialized apparel products.
Another strategic priority for the industry is the diversification of export markets. Traditionally, Sri Lanka’s apparel exports have been heavily concentrated in markets such as the United States and the United Kingdom. Government officials and industry leaders now encourage manufacturers to expand into emerging markets including Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, where demand for high-quality garments continues to grow.
Following the opening ceremony, the ministers toured the exhibition halls, where international exhibitors showcased a wide range of textile machinery, fabrics, accessories, and manufacturing technologies. Companies from countries such as India and China joined Sri Lankan suppliers in presenting innovations designed to improve efficiency and sustainability in textile production.
The event was hosted by S.S. Sarwar, Group CEO of CEMS-Global USA, the organizer behind the international exhibition series. Sarwar noted that the event reflects a longstanding partnership between global technology providers and Sri Lanka’s apparel manufacturers.
He observed that Sri Lanka continues to maintain a strong reputation within the global apparel industry, particularly for its emphasis on ethical manufacturing standards and professional production practices. The exhibition aims to deepen these connections by providing a platform where global suppliers and local manufacturers can explore new partnerships, share knowledge, and adopt emerging technologies.
Industry associations also played a key role in the event. Joint Apparel Association Forum Chairman Felix A. Fernando highlighted the collaborative nature of Sri Lanka’s apparel ecosystem, noting that manufacturers, policymakers, service providers, and supply-chain partners have historically worked closely together to strengthen the industry’s global standing.
Fernando explained that this spirit of collaboration has allowed the sector to maintain stability and credibility despite changing global market conditions. However, he also pointed out that Sri Lanka must continue expanding its international engagement to compete with emerging manufacturing hubs such as Vietnam, which have successfully increased their global visibility through strong industry promotion.
Similarly, Yohan Lawrence, Secretary General of the Joint Apparel Association Forum, emphasized the importance of platforms that facilitate knowledge sharing and technological exchange. In an increasingly complex global environment where sustainability requirements and regulatory standards continue to evolve, access to innovation and industry expertise is becoming essential.
The exhibition also received strong support from the Fabric Apparel Accessory Manufacturers Association. Its chairman, Husni Salieh, noted that association members contribute nearly one billion dollars to Sri Lanka’s apparel export revenue. Increased exposure through international exhibitions can help manufacturers build new partnerships while reducing barriers to growth.
Over the past fifteen years, the Textile Series of Exhibitions has developed into an important regional platform connecting Sri Lanka’s apparel sector with the global textile manufacturing ecosystem. The event continues to support innovation, sourcing opportunities, and strategic partnerships that strengthen the country’s position in the international apparel market.
The exhibition will continue until early March and remains open to industry professionals and the public, showcasing the latest developments in textile technology, fabrics, accessories, dyes, and chemicals used in modern garment manufacturing.