The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), in collaboration with Monash Business School and the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM) successfully hosted the International Conference on the Apparel Industry 2025 recently in Colombo. This was the second time the event was held, following its inaugural edition in 2018, as part of JAAF’s commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration within the global apparel sector.
Themed “Modern Challenges and Opportunities for the Apparel Industry”, the three-day event brought together industry leaders, academics, and sustainability experts to discuss pressing issues such as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance, circular economy strategies, technological advancements, and workforce transformation.
A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion on “Current Actions and Their Impact on ESG-Related Outcomes in the Apparel Industry,” featuring:
- Felix A. Fernando – CEO, Omega Line Ltd.
- Nemanthie Kooragamage – Director Group Sustainable Business, MAS Holdings
- Gayan Ranasinghe – Control Union,
- Chamindry Saparamadu – Director General/CEO, Sustainable Development Council
- Pyumi Sumanasekara – Principal Partner, KPMG Sri Lanka
Discussions emphasized how Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is adapting to global ESG standards, incorporating sustainable production methods, and aligning with evolving regulatory frameworks.
The conference also featured a keynote address by Nobel Laureate Prof. Mohan Munasinghe, who stressed the importance of Balanced Inclusive Green Growth (BIGG) and urged the industry to adopt low-carbon, resource-efficient production models.
An interactive workshop brought together industry stakeholders to envision the apparel industry of 2040. Participants engaged in scenario planning exercises, exploring how sustainability, AI-driven automation, and supply chain resilience will redefine the industry over the next two decades. The insights from this workshop directly fed into the panel discussion on “Shaping the Circular Future We Want for the Sri Lankan Apparel Industry,” where thought leaders discussed the challenges and opportunities in transitioning towards a fully circular apparel ecosystem.
Summing up the discussions, Prof. Jillian MacBryde, Associate Principal for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise at the University of Strathclyde, UK, stated:
“We’ve had in-depth discussions with stakeholders in the apparel manufacturing sector… A recurring theme in these conversations has been the Circular Economy and ESG principles. Many companies here recognize the importance of embedding sustainability into their operations and are actively considering how to navigate external challenges that could disrupt progress.”
