APPAREL
The Sri Lankan Apparel industry began modestly in the 1960s, producing mainly for the local market under heavy protectionism. The liberalisation of the economy in 1977 boosted the sector, encouraging both local and foreign investment, and by 1986 Apparel accounted for the largest share of exports. Owing largely to a Board of Investment (BOI) incentive package, over 160 factories were established between 1992 and 1995, and by 2002, Garments accounted for 52% of Sri Lanka’s total exports.
Today, the sector provides employment for nearly 1 million people (approximately 15% of Sri Lanka’s workforce), and exports to major global markets including the USA, the EU, and Canada. Total export revenue earned in 2018 amounted to $5 billion, and is projected to reach $8 billion by 2025, with Sri Lanka enjoying the highest apparel exports per capita in the region.
Industry Sub-Sectors
Major Investors
- MAS Group
- Brandix Group
- EAM Maliban Textile (Pvt) Ltd
- Smart Shirts Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
- Sirio Ltd
- Polytex Garments Ltd
- Crystal Martin Group
- Hirdaramani Group
- Courtaulds Clothing Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
- Omegaline (Pvt) Ltd
Contact Details
Board of Investment, Sri Lanka
General Contact Information
Sri Lanka Export Development Board
General Contact Information