SL’s apparel industry hosts first textile, apparel road show in 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 organised a unique export promotion programme titled ‘Sourced Sri Lanka’  – textile and apparel roadshow in the UK. 

This exhibition took place on June 17 and 18, 2024, at 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 US $ 1 billion in 2026. 

The exhibition was ceremonially opened on June 17 by Sri Lanka High Commissioner in UK Rohitha Bogollagama, in the presence of a large number of distinguished invitees. Forty 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, 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 customised 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 road show. 

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