Strengthening the Textile &Apparel Sector of Sri Lanka GRI based Sustainability Reporting- ITSB Capacity Building Session

Strengthening the Textile &Apparel Sector of Sri Lanka GRI based Sustainability Reporting- ITSB Capacity Building Session

The first capacity-building session under the Improving Transparency for Sustainable Business (ITSB) initiative was held yesterday, marking a significant step toward shaping the future of sustainability in Sri Lanka’s apparel and textile sector.

Organized by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Council (SDC), Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), and the Export Development Board (EDB), and supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the inaugural workshop focused on enhancing ESG transparency and impact reporting.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman & Chief Executive of the Export Development Board (EDB), emphasized the importance of the ITSB initiative, stating that it could serve as a blueprint for other export sectors as well.

Mr. Yohan Lawrance, Secretary General of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), stated that this is a pivotal moment to strategically reposition Sri Lanka as a global leader in ethical and sustainable manufacturing, and expressed his commitment to collaboratively exploring ways to achieve that national goal.

Ms. Jeevanthie Senanayeke, Acting Director General of the Sustainable Development Council (SDC), emphasized the need to acknowledge the significant challenges facing the sector, including rising trade barriers, stricter global standards, currency fluctuations, high production costs, and workforce retention. She highlighted that by embedding transparency in supply chains, aligning with global sustainability frameworks, and equipping both large and small enterprises with the right tools and knowledge, Sri Lanka can strengthen its position in a competitive global market that increasingly values traceability, accountability, and sustainability.

In the Looking Ahead session, Mr. Sumith Siriwardena, member of the Sustainability Committee of JAAF Sri Lanka, outlined the upcoming engagement activities under the ITSB initiative planned through 2026. These activities include consultations on GRI Standards, multiple capacity-building rounds and trainings on Sustainability Reporting using the GRI Standards, a South Asia learning paper and an impact testimonial session, all aimed at building capacity across all levels of the industry.

The event brought together over 140 industry professionals, including representatives from Multinational Enterprises (MNEs), Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), regulators and policymakers, industry bodies, investors, and global organizations, reflecting strong cross-sector commitment to advancing transparency and sustainability in the apparel and textile sector.