From ancient times, Sri Lanka has been known for its apparel industry. Over the years, the industry as well as the reputation of the country have continued to evolve and grow rapidly. When the modern era of apparel as an export industry began nearly four decades ago, Sri Lanka was a mere contract manufacturer with quotas and supply having been pre-determined by our customers. Over the years, the industry has seen many disruptions which it has used positively to evolve to the current state as a destination for total apparel solutions to wide array of customers.

The journey so far and beyond has had a vast number of stakeholders who have ensured that the industry survived and thrived in a highly competitive global environment. In an era where verticality is considered a prerequisite, the contribution of our Fabric & Accessory manufacturers has been of immense importance to our journey as an industry. Without their presence within Sri Lanka, the Apparel industry would have faced major challenges owing to the continuous demand for agility and shorter lead times. On a national level, these organizations have contributed greatly to ensuring precious export revenue does not have to flow out of Sri Lanka.

Whilst our verticality partners are crucial to our success, it is also important they have a united voice in order to ensure they are heard and well represented. In this regard, I must commend the work being done by FAAMA. Since inception, the Association has strived to enhance the value of the member organizations and collaborate with their partners in Apparel whilst ensuring it is a force to be reckoned with on a global scale.

One of JAAF’s biggest efforts is to ensure that Sri Lanka moves ahead with as a global solutions hub and FAAMA has played a significant part in making this a reality. The value of our verticality partners was highlighted further during the pandemic when import restrictions were imposed and sourcing for immediate requirements had to be from within the country.

I would like to wish the FAAMA and all its members all the very best for the journey ahead.

I wish to congratulate the incoming Chairman and Executive committee of the Fabric and Apparel Accessory Manufacturers Association. As a constituent member of the Joint Apparel Association Forum, FAAMA is an integral part of the JAAF and we look forward to supporting FAAMA in their mission to facilitate the growth and enhancement of the industry they represent.

Backward integration and the growth of the industry supply chain in Sri Lanka are two vital elements of the JAAF strategy for the industry in its target to export US$8bn per annum by 2025 . Over the years the apparel industry’s value addition has grown to over 55% in 2020 and FAAMA and its members have played a key role in this achievement. Adding value locally saves the Country valuable foreign exchange and supports the desire of the Sri Lanka Government to make the country less reliant on imports, even if these are for reprocessing and subsequent re-export. One of the lessons of COVID-19 has been that our manufacturers and their customers are similarly keen that the industry sources more of its raw materials locally, and we at JAAF believe that FAAMA and its members will play a critical role in shaping the footprint of the apparel sector in the recovery post COVID-19.

We applaud FAAMA for its objective of pushing for the sector to achieve world class standards and must congratulate the membership of FAAMA in the work already being done in this area. It’s encouraging to see FAAMA member companies being recognized externally for their achievements and we believe this will create a culture of continuous improvement within the FAAMA membership which will bring benefits not only to FAAMA but also to the JAAF membership and Sri Lanka as a whole.

The mission of JAAF is to make Sri Lanka the Preferred Sourcing Destination for Apparel and FAAMA can contribute immensely in this endeavor.

On behalf of the JAAF we wish FAAMA continued success and growth.

Sri Lankas entry to the global apparel industry was marked with the signing of the “multi-fibre agreement” nearly four decades ago. The exponential growth that followed paved the way for our industry to be recognised as an essential component in the expansion of the Sri Lankan economy. Providing large scale skilled employment opportunities, crucial foreign exchange earnings, and changing the way the world perceives our capability has been the focus of our industry from its inception.

Working tirelessly behind this story of success are the body of fabric and apparel accessory manufacturers.  This vital group of manufacturers in Sri Lanka are one of the most important stakeholders of our industry. A crucial sector, driven by the latest technology and employees with specialized skill sets, are continuously exploring future potential, as most of the fabric used at present is manufactured abroad. Supporting the efforts and growth of local fabric and accessory manufacturers will create the opportunity of achieving the wider goal of being a single destination for world class capabilities in manufacturing apparel, fabric and accessories.

I congratulate FAAMA members for the tireless work and contribution to our industry, through their efforts and vision, strengthening their presence with representation.

I wish the members of FAAMA continued success.