What Sri Lanka’s garment and textile industry needs today is a new policy that can not only attract investment from foreign enterprises but also create more job opportunities.

While speaking to media on this, Prof. Rohana U. Kuruppu, Chairman, Textile Institute Sri Lanka Section of the Department of Textile and Clothing Technology, University of Moratuwa, said “A policy must emerge soon and steps must be taken to implement the policy decision.”

He added “At the same time, all stakeholders should come together to make the change and carry it forward.”

Prof. Rohana said that Sri Lanka has touched a mere US $ 5 billion in garment and textile export despite textile manufacturing being an organised sector in the country since 1940s.

The difference is striking especially when the numbers are compared with country’s South Asian neighbours.

He also called for a new look in its supply chain practices and perfection in craftsmanship.

Substantiating on the same, he added “We need to create a knowledge hub with emerging technologies and innovations such as AI and advancements in material science coupled with digitalisation, big data and analytics to create the perfect platform for modern day business. The ways in which we design, source, manufacture and deliver must be redesigned.”