The Sri Lanka Cascale Forum will bring over 500 global apparel leaders to Colombo from March 30 to April 1, 2026, focusing on building resilient, fair, and environmentally responsible supply chains across the textile and apparel sector.
Sri Lanka Cascale Forum brings global apparel leaders together for sustainable supply chains
Sri Lanka is set to host the Cascale Forum, a major global gathering of apparel manufacturers, brands, retailers, policymakers, and non-governmental organizations. Scheduled from March 30 to April 1 in Colombo, the event will focus on fostering a fairer and more resilient global apparel supply chain.
“At Cascale Forum: Colombo, we are bringing the value chain together to work intentionally on the systems, relationships, and practices that accelerate measurable progress on climate and decent work,” said Harsh Saini, interim CEO of Cascale, formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. “This is a space for shared learning — and shared responsibility.”
The 2025 edition of the forum was held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This year, Sri Lanka has been chosen for its established reputation in the global textile and apparel industry, with manufacturers recognized for high environmental and social standards, energy-efficient operations, and early adoption of sustainability tools such as the Higg Index.
The apparel and textile export sector contributes nearly 50 percent of Sri Lanka’s total exports and represents six percent of the country’s GDP, making it a critical component of the national economy. The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), representing Sri Lanka’s textile and apparel exporters, is backing the forum and emphasizing the country’s role in advancing responsible manufacturing practices.
“Sri Lanka has long played an important role in promoting responsible manufacturing,” said JAAF Chairman Saifuddin Jafferjee. “Cascale Forum: Colombo provides a valuable platform to share regional experience, strengthen collaboration across the value chain, and contribute practical insights that support a fairer, more resilient industry.”
The forum will provide hands-on learning and peer-to-peer engagement opportunities for participants. Local factory tours are coordinated as part of the program, allowing attendees to observe sustainability innovations, workforce practices, and environmental performance improvements firsthand.
“To build a resilient supply chain, we need strong alignment between brands and suppliers,” said Cesar Hasibuan, Responsible Supply Chain Director, South Asia, Nike Inc. “This Forum will create space to understand each other’s challenges and design solutions that work in practice, not just on paper.”
Sri Lanka offers real-world examples of responsible production, making it an ideal location for cross-industry dialogue. The forum encourages collaboration between global brands and local manufacturers, ensuring practical strategies for sustainable, long-term supply chain development.
“South Asia is known in the global apparel industry for combining innovation, quality, and responsible manufacturing,” said Nikhil Hirdaramani, Director of the Hirdaramani Group. “Cascale Forum: Colombo showcases how that leadership contributes meaningfully to global industry progress.”
The forum will also highlight innovative technologies, workforce engagement, and environmental best practices adopted by Sri Lankan apparel companies. Participants will gain insights into actionable measures to reduce carbon footprints, promote ethical labor practices, and strengthen business resilience across regional and international operations.
Cascale Forum emphasizes collaboration across the entire value chain, bridging gaps between stakeholders and fostering solutions that are economically viable and socially responsible. The event aligns with the growing global focus on sustainable apparel production, climate-positive practices, and human rights compliance in the textile sector.
Sri Lanka’s role in global apparel trade, combined with the forum’s objective of promoting sustainability and resilience, positions the country as a hub for responsible supply chain management. As global apparel companies face increasing scrutiny from consumers and regulators, the Cascale Forum provides a timely platform for exchanging knowledge and implementing systemic improvements.