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- Consular Service Hours : Mon - Fri: 9:30 am - 1.30 pm
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.
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.
With over four decades of experience, Sri Lanka’s manufactures apparel of the highest quality, producing for a range of prestigious international clothing brands including Victoria’s Secret, Pierre Cardin, GAP, Liz Claiborne, Next, Tommy Hilfiger, and Nike. This rapid development of the industry has transformed Sri Lanka into a regional Apparel Hub, with its top 3 apparel companies amongst the world’s 50 most important suppliers.
Sri Lanka’s apparel producers are committed to the environmentally-friendly, sustainable production of garments; green manufacturing is a concept which has been widely embraced. Sri Lanka showcases the finest green technology, including the world’s first Green Garment Factory, which cuts energy consumption by 50%, and water consumption by 70%. Likewise, Sri Lanka also possesses LEED Platinum & Gold certified factories, which have successfully lowered their overheads, and provided faster returns on investment through recycling, effluent treatment, & waste management practises which meet international standards.
At the same time, Sri Lanka is a producer of Garments without Guilt. As the only outsourced apparel manufacturing country in Asia to have ratified all 27 International Labour Organisation conventions, Sri Lanka is a socially responsible, ethical apparel sourcing destination. The industry pays its workers fair wages, is proudly free of discrimination, forced & child labour, and actively discourages sweatshop practises.
Apparel Manufacturing
Textile & Fabric Manufacturing
Garment Accessories
Garment Related Services
Textile Testing, Screen Printing
General Contact Information:
| Address | Telephone | Fax | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 24, West Tower, World Trade Centre, Colombo 01 | +94-11-2434403 +94-11-2346131 |
info@boi.lk | +94-11-2448105 |
| Contact Person & Designation | Telephone | Fax | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office of the Chairman | +94-11-2427002 | +94-11-2447995 | |
| Office of the Director General | +94-11-2448105 | +94-11-2448105 | |
| Mr. Vidharshan Fernandor – Executive Director | +94 11 2477050 (0000) +94 77 7734738 |
vidharshanf@boi.lk | |
| M.H. Casseer – Deputy Director (Country Desk for Australia & New Zealand) | +94 11 2427122 (7122) +94 77 7776779 |
manojc@boi.lk | |
| Mr. Gamini Jayatilake – Director (Tourism, Agriculture & Knowledge Services) | +94-11-2346341 +94-77-7881712 |
gaminij@boi.lk | |
| Mr. Prasanjith Wijayatilake – Executive Director (Investment Promotion) | +94 11 2335394 (7076) +94 77 2801300 |
prasanjithw@boi.lk | |
| Ms. Nilupul de Silva – Director (Investment Promotion) | +94 11 2346345 (7042) +94 77 7915480 |
nilupuls@boi.lk | |
| Mr. Mahinda Ramanayake – Executive Director (Investor Services) | +94 11 2331911 (7432) +94 77 3043241 |
mahindar@boi.lk | |
| Mr. Ananda Rajakaruna – Director (Investor Services) | +94 11 2342401 (7430) +94 77 7805772 |
anandar@boi.lk |
