The apparel sector remains one of the country’s largest export industries and a major source of foreign exchange earnings. As global competition intensifies, industry leaders and policymakers are looking at ways to improve competitiveness, attract investment, and expand export capacity.
Against this backdrop, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held a high-level discussion with apparel industry representatives, investors, and senior government officials at the Presidential Secretariat on Monday (22) to identify solutions to challenges facing the sector and support export-led economic growth.
The meeting also focused on measures required to support the implementation of the Export Development Board’s (EDB) export strategy.
President Calls for Expansion into Rural Areas
Addressing industry representatives, President Dissanayake highlighted the importance of expanding manufacturing operations into rural areas.
He said broader industrial expansion could support export growth while creating employment opportunities across different regions.
To encourage investment, the President proposed a government-supported “Plug and Play” mechanism. Under this approach, investors would be provided with essential infrastructure and factory facilities to help accelerate project implementation.
The President invited investors to participate in the initiative as part of efforts to strengthen export industries.
Focus on Dollar-Earning Sectors
The discussion also examined the country’s current economic priorities.
President Dissanayake noted that investments denominated in Sri Lankan rupees had increased in recent years. However, he stressed the importance of strengthening sectors that generate foreign currency earnings.
According to the President, sustainable economic recovery will depend on increasing foreign exchange inflows while maintaining discipline in domestic expenditure.
For the apparel industry, which remains a major export earner, this places additional importance on expanding exports and improving global competitiveness.
Industry Raises Land and VAT Concerns
Participants also discussed several operational challenges affecting businesses.
Among the issues raised were land-related concerns faced by investors and difficulties encountered by local raw material suppliers under the Value Added Tax (VAT) system.
The President assured industry representatives that the government would take steps to maintain policy consistency and protect the value of land assets.
He also requested industry stakeholders to submit proposals on alternative relief measures that could help address challenges faced by suppliers.
Trade Facilitation Projects Progressing
The meeting reviewed ongoing trade facilitation initiatives that could improve the business environment for exporters.
Officials stated that the National Single Window for Trade is expected to become operational by the end of July.
Meanwhile, the National Single Window for Investment is scheduled for completion before the end of the year.
Industry representatives also discussed the need to expand free trade agreements and increase export quotas to create greater market access opportunities for locally manufactured products.
Monthly Industry-Government Forum Proposed
Representatives from the apparel sector welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with the President and government officials.
They proposed establishing a monthly forum to facilitate regular discussions on industry-related issues and policy matters.
Responding positively to the proposal, President Dissanayake instructed officials to take the necessary steps to establish such a mechanism.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Harshana Suriyapperuma, Controller General of Imports and Exports Upulmali Premathilaka, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board Mangala Wijesinghe, representatives of the Inland Revenue Department and Sri Lanka Customs, together with leading business leaders and investors from the apparel sector.
Economic & Regulation Investment Ministerial Update Presidential Affairs
Last modified: June 23, 2026
