Sri Lanka’s Handloom and Local ready made garments are to be promoted in foreign countries with assistance lankan foreign missions overseas.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has issued a directive to discontinue the importation of handlooms and Batik textiles to the country while promoting such apparel overseas. .
The decision was taken with the expectation of boosting the local production and attracting new producers to the industry.
This was stated during a discussion into the issues encountered by those who are engaged in the garment industry and textile industry at the Presidential Secretariat.
Finding additional market opportunity for locally produced readymade garments over apparels manufactured using imported materials was discussed in length.
The promotion of locally manufactured garments will reduce the amount of foreign exchange that goes out of the country.
President further stressed the importance of providing accessibility to those who are willing to enter the garment industry which at present is limited to a few.
In addition, the establishment of a broader market for readymade garment manufacturers and local traders through decisions taken in unison and the requirement of a base center conveniently accessible for the international market to purchase locally manufactured garments in bulk were highlighted during the discussion.
The Foreign Ministry and the State Ministry of Batik, Handloom and Local Apparel Products held a joint session today (Friday) at the Foreign Ministry to promote Sri Lankan batik, handloom and local apparel products through Sri Lankan Missions worldwide.
Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris who chaired the event reiterated the importance of economic diplomacy initiatives and emphasized that Sri Lankan indigenous products are the outcome of creativity of the people and their promotion abroad will directly uplift the economy at grassroot level.
State Minister of Batik, Handloom and Local Apparel Products, Dayasiri Jayasekara requested Sri Lankan diplomats to vigorously promote Sri Lankan batik and handloom products in their respective countries of accreditation and presented samples to display at Missions and events.
He also explained the various initiatives being taken to promote them in foreign countries.
Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage praised the beauty of the work of art from the cottage industry of Sri Lanka and suggested observing a weekly batik day to reenergize the sector.
