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From left: Carlo Chung, Raymond Lau (Sanmar Sourcing), Umesh Amarakoon (Triumph), Amila Fernando (MGF), Udaya Jayasinghe (Lidl), Aruna Sumanadasa (MGF) and (standing behind) Thikula Samaradivakara (Next) and Dinesh Senarathne (Next)
Ritz Clothing, a longstanding and respected player in Sri Lanka’s apparel sector, traces its roots back to the visionary initiation of the 200 Factories project of the early 1990s by the late President Ranasinghe Premadasa.
At the helm of this dynamic enterprise, Chandrasena Kodikara has and continues to play a pivotal role in developing factories across the country. Notably, as a visionary businessman and community leader, Kodikara has acquired and revived many factories and value chains, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the industry.
Founded in 2012, with the acquisition of its inaugural plant in Nikaweratiya, Ritz Clothing’s journey has been one of resilience, driven by an ambitious vision. Kodikara’s leadership, supported by the strategic manoeuvring of Managing Director Punsisi Kodikara, has propelled the organisation to remarkable heights.
Now comprising of six production facilities manned by a team of over 4,500 individuals, Ritz Clothing stands as an exceptional example of economic empowerment, particularly in rural communities. Meanwhile, its Nikaweretiya factory has recently undergone a comprehensive overhaul with significant investments, increasing its capacity from 380 machines to 550 machines and providing employment opportunities to a further 300+ people.
The company’s broader expansion trajectory commenced in 2014, coinciding with Punsisi Kodikara’s entry as Managing Director. Rapid expansions in Magallegama, Polpithigama, Alawwa, Humbuluwa and Yapahuwa underscore the company’s commitment to sustainably growing the scale of its operations. Meanwhile, Risitha Kodikara, who joined the senior management team in subsequent years, spearheaded the transformation of Ritz Clothing Yapahuwa and Nikaweratiya, infusing US $ 4.5 million and US $ 3 million, respectively, into these endeavours.
The grand opening of the Nikaweratiya factory was held on November 18, 2023. The officials representing the key brands, which include Sanmar, Next, Triumph, MGF and Lidl, were present at the event.
As part of its strategic vision, Ritz Clothing has also unveiled plans for the Polpithigama factory, set to accommodate 2,000 machines with operations slated to commence in July 2024. Magallegama, another forthcoming expansion, will consolidate all intimate wear solutions within one expansive facility.