29 Jan 2025
By Nuzla Rizkiya
The government has reaffirmed its support to uplift apparel sector workforce by pledging to collaborate with industry leaders and align vocational training programmes with evolving needs.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya acknowledged the apparel industry’s significant role in the economy which contributed almost 30 percent (US$ 4.7 billion) of total export earnings in 2024.
Praising the sector’s 350,000-strong workforce for their resilience and dedication, she pledged the government’s commitment to provide the necessary infrastructure, policy stability and business environment to ensure the industry’s continued growth.
“You have the skills, the capacity, and the knowledge to lead this sector to even greater heights. Our role as the government is to provide the stability and consistency you need to do so,” Dr. Amarasuriya said addressing the 42nd Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA).
She emphasised the importance of all stakeholders, regardless of size, to uphold uniform standards for inclusive, ethical and sustainable practices across the entire industry.
This predominantly includes the women workforce who should be provided with improved working conditions, such as clean and accessible washrooms, support for menstrual health, childcare facilities and workplaces free from sexual harassment.
Dr. Amarasuriya identified the female workforce of the industry as “change makers” who resiliently support their families, uplift their communities and contribute to strengthening the broader economy.
Noting the apparel sector’s ambitious aims to increase export revenue, she stressed that achieving these goals will require a collective effort from the government, private sector and all the employees.
“We have to provide the social and the financial infrastructure, and the environment to enable you to do what you do and do that even better than you are doing right now,” Dr. Amarasuriya asserted.
Source: https://www.dailymirror.lk/print/breaking-news/Govt-assures-support-to-uplift-apparel-industry-workforce-with-vocational-training/108-301191