”; Outlook Negative

Fitch Ratings has downgraded Sri Lanka- based apparel manufacturer Hela Apparel Holdings PLC’s National Long-Term Rating to ‘AA-(Ika)’, from ‘AA(Ika)’. The Outlook is Negative. The downgrade is based on our forecast that Hela’s interest coverage and leverage will weaken to below our negative rating sensitivities in the financial year ending March 2023 (FY23) and FY24. […]

‘s export earnings decline to 11.3-pct in Jan 2023: Imports down 29.2-pct

• The deficit in the merchandise trade account narrowed in January 2023, compared to a year ago. • Export earnings declined while import expenditure remained subdued in January 2023, compared to year earlier. • Workers’ remittances and earnings from tourism continued to increase in January 2023. • Gross official reserves strengthened at end January 2023, […]

Norfund to support development of Hela Apparel Holdings’ East African operations with USD 14Mn investment

Norfund, the Norwegian government’s investment fund, with a mission to support sustainably driven business operations in developing countries, recently signed a USD 14 million financing agreement with Hela Apparel Holdings PLC to bolster the development of its manufacturing operations in East Africa. NDB Investment Bank Limited acted as the Financial Advisor for the transaction.    […]

Apparel industry calls for urgent action of FTAs to maintain resilient performance

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) has urged the Government to urgently expedite negotiations on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to enhance the industry’s resilience and global competitiveness amid rising fears of a global economic recession. Elaborating on its rationale, the Association noted that FTAs have become an integral part of the global trading system, particularly […]

Free-Trade-Agreements essential to enhancing Sri Lankan apparel’s resilience

With fears of a global economic recession looming, the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) is actively stepping up engagement with top Government and Foreign Ministry officials to expedite negotiations on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to help boost exports and strengthen he industry’s resilience. Elaborating on the progress thus far, Deputy Chairman of JAAF and Chief […]

SL Purchasing Managers’ Index: Sept 2022 manufacturing PMI decline

Manufacturing PMI declined in September 2022, indicating a setback in manufacturing activities on a month-on-month basis. Accordingly, Manufacturing PMI recorded an index value of 42.6 in September 2022, with a decline of 7.0 index points from the previous month driven by the decreases in all the sub-indices, except Employment and Suppliers’ Delivery Time. The decline […]

Hayleys Fabric strengthens biodiversity regeneration efforts, Partners with CEA and local universities

Strengthening its commitment to drive biodiversity regeneration and environmental conservation, Hayleys Group subsidiary and leading textile manufacturer Hayleys Fabric partnered with the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) and the Universities of Peradeniya and Wayamba to champion the protection of habitats connected to tributaries of the Bentota River. The Rs. 1.5 million initiative aims to stabilise the […]

“There is opportunity in crisis” – JAAF Secretary General

Apparel industry proves resilient in the face of adversityTotal apparel exports in July 2022 ($ 522.14 million) – 22.4% increase YoY As Sri Lanka struggles with the ongoing economic crisis, the country’s trade balance recorded a surplus last July. While this surplus reflects the continued decline in import expenditure, it is also reflective of the […]

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