Category: Apparel
New leadership at SLCGE pledges policy advocacy to strengthen SME apparel exports
TheSri Lanka Chamber of Garment Exporters (SLCGE)held its28th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Colombo, marking a significant leadership transition and signalling a renewed policy-driven focus on enhancing the competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s small and medium-scale apparel exporters. A key highlight of the AGM was the conclusion of Mr. Bandula Fernando’s distinguished 13-year tenure as President […]
Sri Lanka Opens First Country Pavilion at Source Fashion Apparel Exhibition – London
Sri Lanka’s apparel industry marked a milestone with its first country pavilion at Source Fashion 2026. The exhibition was held from 13 to 15 January 2026 at Olympia London, one of Europe’s leading apparel sourcing events. The pavilion was officially inaugurated on 13 January with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the […]
Sri Lanka’s apparel exports grow 5.4-pct in Dec 2025; full-year exports top USD5Bn
Sri Lanka’s exports of apparel and made-up textile articles (HS Chapters 61, 62 and 63) rose to US$447.21 million in December 2025, up 5.43% from US$424.18 million in December 2024, according to industry export statistics. Growth was recorded across the three main destination markets. Exports to the USA increased 6.49% year-on-year to US$178.29 million (from […]
Sri Lankan garment exports gain tariff-free access to UK from 01 January
Reforms to the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme are now in force with liberalised trade rules taking effect from 1 January 2026. Manufacturers can now source up to 100% of materials globally while maintaining zero UK tariffs. Garment exports from Sri Lanka to the UK are expected to increase significantly under the new arrangements. Sri […]
MAS Holdings launches ‘Plan for Change 2030’,towards more sustainable apparel industry
South Asia’s largest apparel-tech conglomerate, MAS Holdings, launched its Plan for Change 2030 at a special event held at Cinnamon Life, Colombo on 09 October 2025. The launch marks an important new chapter in the company’s sustainability journey, outlining an ambitious roadmap to reshape the future of apparel through measurable commitments across Product, Lives, and […]
JAAF stresses need for proven VAT refund system to safeguard export stability post-SVAT
The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) today reaffirmed its commitment to working with government authorities as Sri Lanka prepares to remove the Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT) scheme on 1st October. While emphasising that the removal of SVAT is now inevitable, JAAF noted that the industry has been in continuous dialogue with policymakers on the […]
Marco Polo Makes Its Grand Debut with Flagship Store at One Galle Face Mall
Marco Polo, the premium modern casual wear brand inspired by the legendary explorer, has officially launched its flagship store at One Galle Face (OGF) Mall, Level 2, Shop No. 27. The opening marks a significant milestone for the brand, introducing Sri Lankan consumers to a refined fashion experience rooted in exploration, craftsmanship, and timeless style. […]
MAS bags major honours at Mercantile Badminton Tournament
In a show of ultimate brilliance, Team MAS led by their captain Randika Fernando let the shuttle do the talking as they displayed amazing sporting spirit and stamped their authority at the recently concluded Mercantile Badminton Tournament clinching a Grand Slam Championship title and a Bowl Championship 2 nd Runners-up spot during the multi-day tourney […]
Ceylon Chamber Highlights Opportunities in UK’s Enhanced Trade Scheme
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce welcomes the UK Government’s liberalisation of rules of origin under its Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), set to take effect in early 2026. This important step reflects the UK’s continued commitment to greater trade openness and flexibility, offering Sri Lankan exporters enhanced access to one of their key markets. The […]
‘s Upgraded DCTS Rules of Origin Allow SL Manufacturers to Source Up to 100-pct of Inputs Globally
Sri Lankan garment manufacturers will soon have “unprecedented access” to UK markets due to liberalized trade rules set to take effect in early 2026. The changes to the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) will allow more garments manufactured in Sri Lanka to be exported to the UK duty-free. Under the new rules, Sri Lankan […]
Ceylon Chamber Acknowledges U.S. Tariff Reduction, Stresses Importance of Durable Trade Terms
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce commends the Government of Sri Lanka and the national negotiation team on the successful outcome of recent discussions with the United States, which led to a further reduction in the reciprocal tariff rate – from 30% to 20% – on Sri Lankan exports. “While this is clear progress reflecting the […]
Free Trade Zone Manufacturers Association Rules Out Additional MFN Levies, Says 20-Pct Tariff Stands Alone
Dhammika Fernando, Chairman of the Free Trade Zone Manufacturers Association (FTZMA), emphasized that the new 20% U.S. tariff on Sri Lankan imports is a standalone rate and will not be added on top of existing Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) duties. “A 12% to 16% average MFN rate applied on Sri Lankan apparel earlier,” Fernando explained. “Some people […]