Promoting inclusivity and sustainability across Sri Lanka's textile and apparel sector

Improving Transparency for Sustainable Business (ITSB)- a transformative initiative for the Textile and Apparel Sector, jointly led by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainable Development Council (SDC), and the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) in Sri Lanka with support from the Swedish Government was launched virtually on 29th April 2025.

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In 2024, Sri Lanka's apparel sector generated $5.05 billion in export revenue, reaffirming its position as a key driver of the national economy. The sector is now targeting US$8 billion in export earnings for 2025, a significant increase from the previous year. Contributing 42.01% of the country's total export revenue, the sector plays a critical role in sustaining foreign exchange earnings. The industry also supports around 350,000 direct jobs, making it a vital source of employment, particularly for women in rural areas. Despite the economic impact, the fashion industry is also one of the largest polluters and has come under increasing scrutiny. More than 75% of clothes and other textiles end their life being incinerated or landfilled.