The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, recently hosted a dynamic workshop at EDB Head Office to boost the international visibility of Sri Lanka’s creative textile sector.
The program aimed to enhance awareness among government institutions operating under the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development about domestic and international market opportunities and to facilitate easier market access for creative textile products mainly handloom and batik industries.
Sharing their expertise, Ms. Darshi Kirthisena, Chief Executive Officer of Buddhi Batiks (Pvt) Ltd., shared her insights on “Presenting Batik Products to the Modern Fashion Market,” demonstrating how traditional batik art can be adapted for global consumers.
Dr. G. Nilantha Roshan Perera, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya, conducted a session on “Developing a Global Textile Brand” where he shared valuable insights on branding strategies, market positioning, and the importance of storytelling in building internationally competitive textile brands.
Adding a practical dimension, Ms. Itosha Lankathilaka and Ms. Aparna Samarakoon, Co-founders of Loom & Bean (ApiHappi), shared their inspiring export success story showcasing how traditional Sri Lankan products can capture international markets.
Meanwhile, Dr. Thushari Vanniarachchi from the University of Moratuwa emphasized stronger collaboration between fashion design institutions and government textile centers, while Mr.Sarath Wijayabahu, Senior Technologist, of the Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel (SLITA), outlined SLITA’s critical role in skills training, product innovation, and certification.
The event drew the participation of senior officials including Ms. Subhadra Walpola, Additional Secretary (Traditional Industry Development) of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Mr.Tharanga Nalan Gamlath,Director General of the Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel (SLITA), Ms. Kumuduni Mudalige, Acting Additional Director General (Development) of the EDB; and Ms. Manoja Dissanayake, Director – Industrial Products at EDB, alongside provincial industry directors, textile center managers, and EDB officers.
This initiative marks an important step in linking Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage with global fashion trends, paving the way for enhanced exports, sustainable livelihoods, and a stronger international presence for the island’s creative textile sectors including our handloom industry and batik industry.
