T&A contribute 44% of Sri Lanka’s exports, and is the second-largest global exporter of innerwear. During Jan–Apr 2021, textile and textile articles imports rose 22.1% to $938.6 Mn, while clothing and accessories imports fell 12.2% to $74.9 Mn. Key export destinations include the USA, UK, and Italy, with leading brands such as Gap, Liz Claiborne, Next, Jones New York, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger. sourcing from Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka does not produce any raw materials, most of their yarn is imported. At the same time, the country also exports a notable share of both fabric and yarn along with supplying textiles for the domestic manufacture of export-oriented apparel.

Sources: The Textile Manufacturing Industry in Sri Lanka, Cotton in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s apparel sector is led by Cut-Make-Trim (CMT) production, with most export factories being SMEs spread nationwide. Despite higher labour costs, the country is recognized for reliability and product quality, enhancing its global reputation. The industry upholds the “Garments without Guilt” ethos, ensuring ethical practices and community upliftment. Sri Lanka also set a global benchmark in sustainability, hosting the world’s first LEED Platinum-rated apparel factories.

Sri Lanka’s post-industrial textile waste is generated in large quantities and overwhelmingly managed through incineration or landfilling. Recycling infrastructures and managerial initiatives remain largely absent.

Sources: Managing Post-Industrial Textile Waste: Current Status and Prospects for Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Promotes Advanced Textile Recycling Technology

It envisions sustainable waste management for healthier lives and a cleaner environment, with goals extending to 2030. It provides comprehensive directions for managing all waste streams—solid, liquid, and gaseous—while addressing short-term challenges and long-term sustainability. The policy also sets out measures on education, research, institutional coordination, legal and financial mechanisms, and international compliance to ensure effective implementation

Guided by the principle of minimizing natural resource use, toxic materials, and waste across all economic sectors, Sri Lanka’s SCP policy emphasizes resource and energy efficiency, life-cycle thinking, and avoiding rebound effects. It aims to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation by lowering material and energy intensity, preventing waste and emissions, and fostering sustainable consumption patterns. With targets through 2030—including reduced waste generation and halved per-capita food waste—the policy promotes pollution prevention, green job creation, and structural incentives for sustainable practices across production and consumption