By: Staff Writer
June 19, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Footwear and Leather Product Industry is set to record a robust growth, driven by increasing exports, consumerism, urbanisation, and a shift towards high quality goods.
The footwear industry is to rake in US$710.97 million in revenues in 2025 and will expand, though it is being undermined by smuggling and needs investment, according to official projections.
Luxury leather goods market is anticipated to be worth $41.88 million, as the industry is known for producing an assortment of items, including footwear, handbags, and other leather goods, with the majority of producers supplying to international brands.
Collaboration between the government and industry is crucial for building a strong local supply chain and addressing issues like energy prices and currency volatility, former President of Sri Lanka Footwear and Leather Products Manufacturers Association and Chairman/ MD of P.G.Martin Industries Pvt Ltd P.G.D. Nimalasiri said
The industry needs to invest in AI and workforce up skilling to stay competitive and adapt to global trends, he said adding that man power shortage has become one of the issues facing leather product sector.
Manufacturers must be in a position to sustain worldwide quality standards and adapt to changing consumer patterns addressing the challenges of raw material prices, competition, and quality standards to sustain its growth momentum.
Among the major issues in the Sri Lankan leather production industry is a lack of unskilled laborers.
Although the government and almost everyone complain that there is high national unemployment, it is very difficult to find unskilled workers, he pointed out noting that their demand is not being met by adequate supply.
“Instead of employing more people we have adopted an effective policy whereby we give our employees additional work, which they can do at home, and thereby enhance their remuneration” he said.
The company is continuing a humanitarian mission setting a notable precedent since 2016 .by joining hands with the Prisons Department to bring hope, skill, and a chance for redemption to currently around 40 inmates at Welikada Prison, Colombo, he disclosed.
The aim was to help these inmates learn a craft, a skill that could serve them beyond their prison days, he said adding that they have been provided with a 6-month-long training by senior craftsmen and technicians of the company for them to learn the art of manufacturing.
He said “They will become skilled craftsmen, each capable of creating products from start to finish. But: they weren’t just gaining knowledge; they were earning their way toward rehabilitation”.
After completion of their training, they will be receiving a monthly remuneration. It wasn’t charity; it was a reward for their hard work and commitment, he revealed.
Sri Lanka Footwear Sector Eyes US $700Mn despite Labor, Smuggling Hurdles
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