The event brought together industry leaders and international experts to examine how new regulations in major export markets are reshaping the sector’s priorities.
The forum at the Taj Samudra featured representatives from the Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), Intertek, the Joint Apparel Association Forum of Sri Lanka (JAAF), and leading manufacturers.
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Discussions centred on how the industry can maintain its export competitiveness as the US and EU move towards mandatory human rights due diligence and stricter traceability requirements.
WRAP president and CEO of WRAP Avedis Seferian, emphasised that sustainability is now a prerequisite for access to key global markets.
“The future of global trade is being shaped by sustainability,” Seferian said, noting that buyers, regulators, and investors are increasingly aligned on the need for responsible production.
Seferian pointed out that Sri Lanka’s early adoption of ethical manufacturing programmes, such as WRAP certification since 2003 and the Garments Without Guilt initiative, has given the country a foundation to build upon as expectations rise.
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By GlobalDataJAAF secretary general Yohan Lawrence said that traceability and social compliance have become “currency” in international trade. He warned that both US and EU buyers are tightening their standards on responsible sourcing, making data-driven traceability critical for continued market access.
Panelists at the event discussed how digital systems integrating social audit findings are becoming essential tools for meeting buyer demands and complying with new laws.
Case studies demonstrated that robust governance frameworks not only improve worker welfare but also reduce operational risks and attract sustainable investment.
The forum concluded that Sri Lanka’s apparel sector must embed social sustainability into every business decision to remain competitive globally.
“Countries that invest early in transparent, people-centred sustainability systems will be best positioned for future success,” Seferian noted.
With global regulations evolving rapidly, industry leaders agreed that data-backed transparency and compliance are now central to the survival and growth of Sri Lanka’s apparel exports.
Under reforms to the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme, Sri Lankan manufacturers can source up to 100% of materials globally while still benefiting from zero tariffs on exports to the UK.
