Sri Lanka’s Apparel Industry Hosts the First Textile and Apparel Roadshow in the UK

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), Sri Lanka Apparel Sourcing Association (SLASA), Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK, and Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) have collaboratively organized an unique export promotion programme titled “Sourced Sri Lanka”  – Textile & Apparel Roadshow in the UK.

This exhibition was taken place on 17th and 18th June 2024, in Royal Horticultural Hall in London, United Kingdom. The primary goal of Sri Lanka's participation in the exhibition is to discover new buyers and provide a boost to the country's apparel export sector aiming to increase apparel exports to the United Kingdom by USD 1 billion in 2026.

The exhibition was ceremonially opened on 17th June by H.E. Rohitha Bogollagama, the Sri Lanka High Commissioner in UK in the presence of a large number of distinguished invitees. 40 Sri Lankan exhibitors representing apparel, textile and accessory industries participated for the Sourced Sri Lanka exhibition.  Apart from the exhibition, parallel events such as fashion shows, panel discussions and guest speaker sessions were also held.

Sri Lanka proudly unveiled its National Export Brand on the first day of the event, 17th June, marking a significant milestone in the country's export sector. Built upon the enduring values of sustainability, competence, and authenticity, this brand encapsulates the essence of Sri Lanka's exports.

The launch of the "Your Vital Island" brand reaffirms Sri Lanka's dedication to meeting global standards while preserving its distinctive identity. It signals a promise of unparalleled quality, unique products, and customized services, all delivered with genuine authenticity.

These parallel events were added magnetism to attract trade visitors, buyers and other apparel industry related individuals to the Roadshow.

As the apex organization for the development and promotion of exports, EDB is constantly seeking diverse approaches to promote Sri Lankan products in the international market. Accordingly, this Roadshow was organized as the first ever Sri Lankan apparel exhibition in UK as a collaborative effort of EDB, Sri Lanka High Commission in UK, SLASA and JAAF with the objective of increasing the Sri Lankan apparel share in the UK market.