Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is intensifying efforts to strengthen supply‑chain integration and adopt advanced manufacturing technologies as global sourcing patterns evolve, industry leaders said at the opening of a major textile sourcing exhibition in Colombo.
The 15th Sri Lankan edition of the Textile Series of Exhibitions, organised by CEMS‑Global USA, has brought together international machinery manufacturers, raw material suppliers, and Sri Lankan apparel exporters, highlighting the growing need for direct access to technology, yarn, and fabric suppliers.
Held at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre, the exhibition features three co‑located trade shows – Textech Sri Lanka, Colombo International Yarn and Fabric Show, and DyeChem Sri Lanka – covering the textile value chain from fibre and chemicals to machinery and finished garments.
Industry representatives emphasised that such platforms are increasingly important as Sri Lanka’s apparel sector seeks to move up the value chain through automation, sustainable processing, and advanced manufacturing.
“We see this exhibition not merely as a trade event but as a strategic sourcing hub connecting Sri Lanka’s apparel industry with global technology partners,” said CEMS‑Global USA Group CEO S.S. Sarwar.
Sri Lanka has earned a reputation as a supplier of ethically produced and value‑added apparel, but deeper integration with global raw-material and technology suppliers is seen as essential to remain competitive.
Officials at the opening highlighted that industrial modernisation and export diversification remain key government priorities to strengthen manufacturing and support export-led growth.
Among those present were Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi, Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, and industry representatives including Felix A. Fernando and Yohan Lawrence from the Joint Apparel Association Forum.
Exhibitors showcased innovations such as digital textile printing, energy-efficient machinery, sustainable chemical solutions, and performance fabrics, responding to global buyers’ growing demand for greener supply chains.
The organisers expect thousands of trade visitors, including garment manufacturers, sourcing specialists, and technical managers, to attend the three-day event.
