At the recent ‘Be Inspired’ webinar series held by the American Chamber, Aroon Hirdaramani, Director, Hirdaramani Group noted that the Sri Lankan apparel sector can achieve $8 billion worth of garment exports by 2025. As per a Daily News report, Hirdaramani highlighted with additional local value addition through ventures such as the fabric park in Eravur, Sri Lanka was well placed to grow, he said. The government’s vaccination drive is helping BOI companies remain operational. Over 90 per cent of the apparel sector workforce has received the first jab with over 70 per cent receiving the second jab.

To create a more stable business environment, the Hirdaramani Group has decided to collaborate with a few high-value partners, He acknowledged that the policymakers were in dialogue with the industry and the significance of the trading scheme was understood. Jeevith Senaratn, Senior Manager, Star Garments Group added, the industry’s export figures are still 10 per cent below the 2019 figures. Hasib Omar, Director, Brandix Clothing Company highlighted that the industry was highly polluting and that would be a future pain point for clients.

Shirendra Lawrence, Executive Director, MAS Holdings added that the new production processes might be causing additional strain on the workers.