The Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA) convened its Annual General Meeting on January 27, 2026, at the Cinnamon Life Hotel. The event gathered industry leaders, policymakers, and members of the diplomatic community to discuss sector priorities and strengthen Sri Lanka’s role in global apparel supply chains.
During the AGM, Rajitha Jayasuriya was reappointed as Chairperson for a second term. The newly appointed Executive Committee includes Jeevith Senaratne as Deputy Chairperson, Hasib Omar as Treasurer, and Indika Liyanahewage as Immediate Past Chairperson.
In her address, Jayasuriya highlighted the sector’s resilience in 2025, noting a 5.42 percent growth in apparel exports, totaling USD 5.019 billion. Exports to the European Union increased by 12.48 percent, while non-traditional markets saw a 4.8 percent rise.
She stated, “As we work to expand in Europe, the renewal of GSP+ must be treated as a national priority, because it protects momentum and safeguards access to one of our most important growing markets. With India having sealed its FTA with the EU, we will need to mobilize faster to ensure Sri Lanka is not left behind.”
Jayasuriya also advocated for a broader competitiveness agenda beyond market access. She called for a dedicated trade office to prioritize key FTAs, faster export facilitation through the Single Window system and ETA, predictable fiscal administration including VAT refunds, and accelerated digital reforms, such as moving towards a fiscalized e-invoicing system, building on the ongoing industry pilot integrating an API with RAMIS 2.0.
The AGM was attended by Chief Guest Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, Acting Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, representing High Commissioner Santosh Jha, and Guest of Honour Dr. Sandro Veronesi, Founder of Oniverse Group. The proceedings included remarks by the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour, the Chairperson’s address, and the launch of SLAEA’s revamped website.
Special guests included Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, along with members of the diplomatic community such as H.E. Damiano Francovigh, H.E. Rémi Lambert, H.E. Jayne Howell, H.E. Mr. Mohammad Ramadan, and Dr. Johanne Hess.
The AGM also acknowledged the presence of Joint Apparel Association Forum representatives Felix Fernando and Yohan Lawrence, emphasizing continued industry alignment on trade, competitiveness, and export reform priorities.
SLAEA expressed gratitude to its sponsors for supporting the AGM, including Gold Sponsors Coats Thread Pvt Ltd and Compreli Consulting Pvt Ltd, and Silver Sponsors The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), Hellmann MAS Supply Chain (Private) Limited, Avery Dennison Lanka Pvt Ltd, Advantis Limited, and Rajkrupa Textiles India Pvt Ltd.
SLAEA Executive Committee and officials (L to R): Hasib Omar (Treasurer), Indika Liyanahewage (Immediate Past Chairperson), Rajitha Jayasuriya (Chairperson), Dr. Satyanjal Pandey (Acting Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka), Dr. Sandro Veronesi (Founder of Oniverse), Felix Fernando (Chairperson, JAAF), Jeevith Senaratne (Deputy Chairperson).
L-to-R: H.E Damiano Francovigh – Ambassador for Italy in Sri Lanka, Sharad Amalean – Deputy Chairman & Co-Founder – MAS Holdings, Riccardo Romani – Oniverse Group, H.E Jayne Howell – Deputy Chief of Mission – US Embassy in Sri Lanka, Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe – Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, and Vinod Hirdramani – Chairman, Hirdaramani Group.
