The SDC engaged in a strategic discussion with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board to explore collaboration towards implementing the recently launched ITSB – a transformative initiative for the textile and apparel sector.

Today, we were pleased to engage in a strategic discussion with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), to explore collaboration towards implementing the recently launched ITSB- a transformative initiative for the textile and apparel sector. This initiative is jointly led by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainable Development Council (SDC) and the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), with support from the Swedish Government.

EDB Chairman, Mangala Wijesinghe expressed strong support for the initiative, noting how it complements EDBs ongoing and planned programs and how embedding sustainability standards in the export sector could play a pivotal role in scaling up exporters to achieve Sri Lanka’s ambitious export target of USD 36 billion over the next five years. EDBs engagement in the ITSB Initiative marks a significant step toward promoting greater inclusivity, accountability, and sustainability across multiple export sectors, in addition to the textile and apparel industry.

As part of the ITSB initiative, targeted capacity-building sessions will be conducted for 100 apparel and textile companies, encompassing both Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) starting in July 2025. This collaborative effort reflects a shared vision for a more transparent, responsible, and future-ready textile and apparel sector that aligns with global ESG standards. Global impact investors increasingly consider GRI standards in their decision-making. Alignment with these standards will strengthen the capacity of Sri Lanka’s textile and apparel sector to attract impact investment and meet global benchmarks, ultimately supporting efforts to expand market share and contribute to the national sustainable development efforts.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Aditi Haldar, Director of the Global Reporting Initiative South Asia Network; Mr. Yohan Lawrence, Secretary General of JAAF, Mr. Sumith Siriwardena, Assistant General Manager, Group ESG at Courtaulds Clothing Lanka, Ms. Chamindry Saparamadu, Director General of the SDC, Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe the Chairman of the EDB, Ms. Kumudinie Mudalige, Director of Policy and Strategic Planning at the EDB, and other senior officials of the EDB and SDC.