She shapes the fabric: Women lead the charge in Sri Lanka’s apparel industry transformation

In the heart of Sri Lanka’s bustling apparel sector, where fabrics are woven into garments that travel the world, a quieter revolution is taking place. This revolution isn’t marked by grand speeches or flashy headlines. This transformation isn’t driven by grand speeches or flashy headlines. It unfolds quietly, one story at a time, as a group of determined individuals break barriers, challenge norms, and redefine success in an industry long shaped by tradition.

Meet the women who are not just shaping Sri Lanka’s apparel industry—they’re transforming it, stitch by stitch, with passion, vision, and unwavering determination.

Breaking barriers: Upeksha Madumali Perera’s journey

In 2018, Upeksha Madumali Perera’s first step into the world of apparel was as simple as it was humble—she was a checker at MAS Intimates - Thurulie. With no experience in the industry, she quickly realized that the path to success was paved not with titles, but with learning. And learn she did. Fast forward to 2024, and Upeksha was leading six production lines as an Acting Value Stream Executive, a true testament to the power of persistence and hard work.

Upeksha’s leadership style is not about standing at the front, issuing commands from afar. Instead, she works shoulder to shoulder with her team, earning their trust and respect through action. Despite being younger than her colleagues, Upeksha fosters a sense of unity, creativity, and ownership, where every team member feels empowered to take initiative. Her leadership is about solving problems and maximizing potential, not just for the company, but for her colleagues, too.

Her journey wasn’t only about career growth—it was about giving back. Coming from a financially struggling family, Upeksha was determined to support her loved ones, and in doing so, she gave her father the gift of retirement. This personal determination and professional sucess earned her the title of Empowered Woman of the Year in 2023 and a spot in the Future Female Leaders Program.

“Women’s leadership is the future of the apparel industry,” Upeksha believes, and through mentorship, she hopes to inspire the next generation of women to break barriers and rise together.

Leading with purpose: Omesha Samarakkody’s rise

Omesha Samarakkody’s story begins not in a factory, but in her heart—a place where a dream was stitched together from years of defying societal expectations. As the founder of House of Intimates, Omesha proved that women not only belong at the top but can build something extraordinary from scratch.

What began in 2016, with her father’s support and a single vision, quickly grew into a thriving business. But success didn’t come easily. Omesha faced societal biases and financial struggles, especially when the pandemic hit. But rather than crumble under pressure, she used these challenges as stepping stones, proving her resilience and determination to succeed.

Her defining moment came during the pandemic, when financial strain threatened to unravel everything. Yet, Omesha’s leadership shone brightly. She kept her business afloat and emerged even stronger, knowing that adversity was no match for her spirit.

“Women deserve to be seen as leaders, not just contributors,” Omesha says. Now, she’s on a mission to build more than just a business—she’s determined to break the bias and empower women everywhere to step into leadership roles and take charge of their futures.

Nadisha Bandara: Paving the way for future leaders

For Nadisha Bandara, success isn’t just about personal growth—it’s about creating a path for others to follow. As General Manager – Marketing at Brandix, Nadisha manages global accounts for top brands like Calvin Klein, NIKE, and Tommy Hilfiger. From a design intern to a business leader, Nadisha’s rise through the ranks was marked by determination, hard work, and a belief that talent, not gender, should define leadership.

She’s not just content with her own success; Nadisha actively mentors future leaders, using her platform to advocate for policies that promote equity and ensure that women are given the opportunities they deserve. “True progress comes when leadership reflects the talent driving the industry,” Nadisha says, firmly believing that a more diverse, inclusive leadership is the key to a brighter future for the apparel sector.

Renuka Galahitiyawa: Making dreams a reality

Renuka Galahitiyawa didn’t set out to become an entrepreneur—she simply wanted to solve a problem. Starting with two machines in her home, Renuka turned her small sewing venture into Nishara Export & Import (Pvt) Ltd, a successful apparel business that not only drives exports but also provides empowerment to hundreds of women.

With no formal fashion training, Renuka navigated the rough waters of the industry with sheer perseverance, learning as she went and overcoming obstacles that would have stopped many in their tracks. Her secret? Never giving up, even when the odds were stacked against her.

Today, Renuka’s workforce is 97% female, many of whom have transformed their lives through stable jobs and career opportunities. Her Assistant Production Manager, once a factory helper, is living proof of the opportunities Renuka has created for women to rise, grow, and lead.

“Setbacks shaped me, but the women around me inspired me to keep going,” Renuka says, embodying the spirit of resilience that has fueled her success. She’s a strong advocate for national programs that fund and train skilled female entrepreneurs, believing that Sri Lanka’s apparel industry will thrive if it is led by women.

A new chapter in Sri Lanka’s apparel story

The stories of Upeksha, Omesha, Renuka, and Nadisha are more than just milestones—they are the heartbeat of a movement. These women are not only leading the way; they are rewriting the narrative, proving that the future of Sri Lanka’s apparel industry lies in the hands of women who dare to lead with courage, creativity, and conviction. Together, they are stitching a new legacy, one where barriers are shattered, dreams are realized, and the fabric of the industry is stronger than ever before.