Sri Lanka’s apparel industry stepped up efforts to expand its footprint in the United Kingdom with a strong showing at Source Fashion London 2026, held from January 13 to 15 at Olympia London, capitalising on newly secured duty-free market access that came into effect this year.
The Sri Lanka Pavilion, organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK, featured 20 exhibitors, including 12 small and medium-sized enterprises. The initiative was aimed at strengthening buyer linkages and positioning Sri Lanka as a competitive and reliable sourcing destination amid shifting global supply chains.
This year’s participation carried particular economic significance following the UK’s decision to grant Sri Lankan garment exports duty-free entry from January 1, 2026, under a liberalised trade framework. The revised rules allow manufacturers to source up to 100% of inputs globally while retaining preferential access, removing earlier requirements that mandated multiple substantial manufacturing processes within Sri Lanka. Industry stakeholders say the changes enhance cost efficiency, supply chain flexibility and competitiveness—key factors for maintaining market share in the price-sensitive UK apparel sector.
The Sri Lanka Pavilion was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the UK, Nimal Senadheera, UK Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka Lord Hannett of Everton, and EDB Board Director Binupa Liyanage, alongside industry representatives and exporters.
Exhibitors represented the apparel, textile and accessories segments, showcasing Sri Lanka’s manufacturing depth and its compliance with international quality, ethical and sustainability standards—attributes increasingly prioritised by UK and European buyers. A dedicated stall promoting Creative Sri Lanka 2030 highlighted the country’s creative industries, with five Sri Lankan brands presenting design-led products aimed at diversifying export offerings beyond traditional apparel manufacturing.
A key milestone at the exhibition was the unveiling of Sri Lanka’s National Export Brand, “Your Vital Island,” built around sustainability, competence and authenticity. The brand is intended to provide a unified global identity for Sri Lankan exports, reinforcing the country’s positioning as a source of high-quality, ethically produced goods.
Sri Lankan companies also gained visibility through catwalk shows and industry forums held alongside the exhibition. Reflecting the sector’s technological ambitions, Star Garments’ Director of Operations Jeevith Senaratne—also Deputy Chairman of the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association—participated in a panel discussion on the use of artificial intelligence in fashion design and production, underscoring the industry’s shift toward smart manufacturing.
As the EDB continues to pursue market diversification and value addition, Sri Lanka’s participation at Source Fashion London 2026 signals a broader strategy to leverage UK demand under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). With duty-free access now secured and sourcing rules eased, industry players see renewed momentum to grow apparel exports to one of Sri Lanka’s most important overseas markets.
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