It has been a privilege to assume the role of Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association in January 2025, at an AGM that was graced by His Excellency the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and Her Excellency the Ambassador of the United States. These past months have unfolded against a backdrop of unprecedented geo-political shifts and volatility in global trade. Amid these challenges, our Association has remained steadfast in its mission: to safeguard the competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s apparel industry, to create new avenues for growth, and to ensure that our nation’s voice resonates clearly on the global stage.
We have been engaged with the Government on two fronts of critical importance to our members. First, on the transition to the E-invoicing system following the repeal of SVAT, which has far-reaching implications for exporters. Second, on addressing tariff concerns with the United States, where our continuous advocacy has already secured a 20% reciprocal tariff a significant reduction from what was initially imposed. These discussions are ongoing, and we remain committed to securing the best outcomes for our industry. One of the highlights of the year was hosting the CSDDD Awareness Session, in partnership with TrusTrace. The strong participation and overwhelming feedback underscored the sector’s readiness to embrace evolving sustainability and compliance requirements. This responsiveness is not just about meeting standards it is about positioning Sri Lanka apparel as a leader in ethical, sustainable sourcing for the future.
Looking ahead, I am confident that with the unity, resilience, and commitment of our members, we will continue to rise above challenges and seize new opportunities. Together, we will reinforce Sri Lanka’s reputation as a trusted, responsible, and forward-looking apparel sourcing destination.
Rajitha Jayasuriya
