Worker voices matter in Sri Lanka’s apparel strategy, union says View(s):Recent calls by industry leaders for Sri Lanka’s apparel sector to move away from volume-based production toward differentiated, high value manufacturing reflects an important strategic shift, a key union has said. He noted that trade unions had repeatedly proposed strengthening backward linkages, particularly in textiles, yarn, accessories, and finishing processes connected to the apparel industry. These proposals emphasised reducing dependence on imported raw materials, improving lead times, and building supply chain resilience without eroding labour standards. While these proposals closely aligned with the differentiation strategy now articulated by employers, they had not been systematically incorporated into national industrial or trade policy,” the statement said. Although employer representatives had increasingly acknowledged weaknesses in supply chain verticality and Sri Lanka’s limited access to free trade agreements, meaningful social dialogue on industrial strategy had remained limited.

Source: Sunday Times December 20, 2025 21:43 UTC