Despite having faced down another tumultuous year, the Sri Lankan apparel industry has shown remarkable resilience in 2021, and we believe the advances we have made over the past year have put the entire sector in a much stronger position to weather the escalating challenges of 2022. A review of the data from 2021 and the measures that firms in the industry have taken indicate how the industry is poised.
Following in the wake of unprecedented economic disruptions for Sri Lanka – and the rest of the world – caused by the second and third waves of the Covid-19 pandemic we now see some persistent uncertainty around prospects for 2022. Driving this volatility so far is the emergence of Omicron which is reportedly the most highly transmissible variant of Covid-19, and in the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions between the US, and China and Russia. If any one of these factors is exacerbated, further disruptions to global trade are inevitable.
Consider exports. In pre-pandemic 2019, apparel exports amounted to $5.2 billion , almost 48 per cent of all merchandise exports (which makes it a crucial contributor to trade and external finances). In 2020, the pandemic’s spread led to a steep decline in trade and travel, and ultimately global GDP; no country was spared.
Sri Lanka’s garment exports also declined sharply in 2020; nationally enforced lockdowns hit production, and order cancellations were high. Exports fell by almost a quarter (more than 24 per cent) to $3.93 billion. In 2021, garment exports jumped back up by 21.5 per cent at September-end to $3.54 billion . They will fall just short of the targeted $5,1 billion.
The remarkable progress was made possible by an accelerated vaccination programme with the support of the government and the logistical capability of our military. The Joint Apparel Associations Forum of Sri Lanka (JAAFSL), an apex body of apparel industry associations, played a crucial coordinating role.
For business owners, worker safety is a high priority. Factories and places also put safety protocols, redesigned shop floors to enable social distancing, strictly monitored masking, personal protection, and employee behaviour. Compliance was strictly implemented with surprise checks by officials from the Ministries of Labour and Health.
Yet, during the course of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, business owners were faced with false accusations that workers were not being paid and were instead being laid them off by the thousands. But as events later demonstrated, these accusations was totally unfounded, and ran contrary to the actual situation on the ground.
First, in cooperation with the government and represented by JAAFSL, workers who could not come to work because they were sick were paid LKR 14,500 a month whether they came to work or not. That is 45 per cent more than the minimum wage mandated by law, even when they were not working.
Second, as noted previously, an accelerated vaccination programme was implemented and acted upon. Worker safety was ensured with strictly enforced mandated safety protocols. The enforcement of the protocols were extended even to non-direct apparel workers such as canteen workers and other suppliers and vendors.
One number helps make the point. One important study on the impact of Covid-19 on the apparel industry estimated the pre-pandemic workforce at roughly 350,000 . The strength of the workforce at the end of 2021? Contrary to reports of layoffs and resignations made publicly by some parties during the pandemic, the workforce is now back at 350,000.
That’s not all. During the course of the pandemic, both large companies and smaller firms adopted and adapted technology to develop solutions to new problems. Consider samples. Fashion changes are fairly frequent, so buyers require samples that they test and then approve for manufacture. As transport was disrupted and flights restricted, some firms used 3D technologies that could be created at the buyers’ end and approved.
That was just one instance where technology was used innovatively to overcome logistical challenges. Many others are aligned with the vision of making Sri Lanka a global hub for innovative apparel making. There are many others, aligned with the vision of making Sri Lanka a global hub for innovative apparel making. And the same spirit of innovation is pervasive in the apparel industry’s sustainability agenda that sets a global benchmark for ethical, environmentally responsible manufacturing.
On 23 December 2021, the industry took the next step in its emphasis on prioritising workers. JAAFSL signed two historic agreements with trade unions. The first enjoins both trade unions and factory owners to monitor the pandemic’s impact jointly. Trade unions will be represented on the Bipartite Health Committees at each manufacturing plant.
These committees are responsible for implementing Ministry of health guidelines strictly. The MoU also recognises employees’ freedom of association and their rights to collective bargaining. The second MoU lays out how employers and the unions will collaborate to assess and coordinate their efforts to manage the negative impact of the pandemic on all stakeholders. Both MoUs cast JAAFSL and the unions as partners in these efforts.
Resilience notwithstanding, there is no place for complacence. The emergence of the Omicron variant – the most transmissible form of Covid-19 thus far- has shown that the pandemic hasn’t yet run its course. JAAFSL is in discussions with the government on approaches to provide booster shots for workers – and perhaps their families – as expeditiously as possible.
Ensuring the retention of GSP+ privileges with the European Union (EU) and other key trading partners is critical. Before the advent of Covid-19, it was probable that Sri Lanka would ‘graduate’ from the GSP+ regime; the pandemic, however, changed that dramatically. Now, retaining those privileges beyond December 2023 will be advocated forcefully and intensely.
Contrary to what Albert Einstein said, we have to both prevent and prepare for the next crisis.
Identify suitable lands for cultivation in all areas on priority basis….
President instructs officials during the “Discussion with the Village” session
Ø Help farmers to get familiar with technology to increase their harvest..
Ø Do not sabotage programs benefitting low-income earning families..
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed the respective authorities to immediately call for applications to fill the long-standing vacancies for Maths, Science, English and Computer Technology teachers in schools. New recruitments will be made for existing vacancies in priority subjects on the basis of eight years of compulsory service in the same school to which the initial appointments were made.
“More lands are necessary to increase the cultivation of crops. Therefore we need to identify suitable lands for this purpose. To maximize the yield, the productivity of the lands is also important. Help farmers to get familiar with technology to increase the harvest.” President Rajapaksa emphasized.
The program to employ 100,000 persons from the families of the lowest income strata was implemented with the intention of eradicating poverty. Job recipients will be trained in a number of fields. The President urged not to disrupt this program which was designed for the benefit of the poorest of the poor.
The President expressed these views during the 12th “Discussion with the Village” program yesterday (Feb. 27) at the Kivulekadawala School premises in the Kivulekadawala Grama Niladhari Division, Gomarankadawala Divisional Secretariat in the Trincomalee district.
The “Discussion with the Village” program commenced on September 25, 2020 from Badulla district. Thereafter programs were organized covering Matale, Ratnapura, Anuradhapura, Ampara, Polonnaruwa, Kalutara, Moneragala , Kegalle, Kandy and Puttalam districts. The idea behind this program is for the President to talk to the rural communities living in remote and difficult areas without intermediaries about their long-standing unresolved problems and to present them directly to the officials in order to find solutions.
Problems that can be solved on the spot are instantly addressed. The rest which takes time to deal with are noted down to find solutions later. The objective of the program is to reach out to the people of the village, understand their problems and find solutions giving considerations to their own suggestions.
Gomarankadawala is located 45km away from Trincomalee town on the border of Morawewa, Kuchchaveli, Padavi Sri Pura and Horowpathana areas in the Anuradhapura district. The distance from the center of Gomarankadawala town to Kivulekadawala village is 8km. The Department of Archaeology has identified this village as a location with a number of cultural heritage sites belonging to the Anuradhapura period. Gomarankadawala and surrounding villages were frequently attacked by terrorists before the end of the war in 2009.
Kivulekadawala, Adampane, Kootitikulama and Konabendiwewa villages fall under the limits of Kivulekadawala Grama Niladhari Division. The total population of the Kivulekadawala village is 1191 consisting of 416 families. 125 out of them are Samurdhi beneficiaries. Paddy cultivation is the livelihood of the majority. Maize, Cowpea, Groundnut and vegetables are the other crops they cultivate.
The President on his way to Kivulekadawala College to participate in the “Discussion with the Village” program inquired the people gathered on roadside about the issues they face in the area while casually engaging in conversation with them. He also had a chat with the people from several nearby houses and asked about the paddy harvest in this season as well. The President explained the farmers that the government has taken steps to purchase paddy with moisture for a price of Rs. 43 that cannot be sold at a minimum price of Rs. 50 per kilo. President Rajapaksa said that farmers are free to sell their paddy either to the government or any other party at their own discretion and the government has not imposed any conditions regarding the matter.
Prior to the commencement of the “Discussion with the Village” session, President declared the “Smart Classroom” open which was completed by the SLT Mobitel and State Ministry of School Infrastructure and School Services in Kivulekadawala School. In addition, the President also presented a television and internet connections provided by the Dialog Axiata to the principal.
President Rajapaksa examined a pair of shoes that generates electricity when walking, invented and designed by Chathura Madhumal, a student of Kantale Ganthalawa Maha Vidyalaya.
The President has decided to improve library facilities in all the schools in the areas where he attends for the “Discussion with the Village” program. The President presented sets of books to schools under the theme “A young generation empowered with knowledge”. Each school receives 500 books which cover a number of diverse streams important for the students.
The threat of wild elephant intrusions has been a major problem for the people of Gomarankadawala for a long time. These villagers were victims of brutality caused by terrorists in the past.
The President instructed the relevant officials to grant deeds to the villagers, who have been displaced as a direct result of the war and returned to their areas of origin, after the dawn of peace. It was decided to hold a Land Kachcheri to resolve land issues in Mahadivulwewa and Divulwewa areas.
It was also decided to appoint an Investigation Committee headed by the District Secretary to provide immediate relief to the people, who have been evicted as a result of the Yan Oya project and remained landless for a long time as well as to resolve other issues.
As a solution to the threat of wild elephant intrusions, it is planned to construct a 67 km long elephant fence covering many areas in the Trincomalee District within the next year. President Rajapaksa directed the Department of Wildlife Conservation to take measures to complete the work expeditiously and to activate the inactive elephant fences in Bakmeegama, Medawachchiya, Thambalagamuwa, Dahaiganuwa and Morawewa villages.
The President stressed the need for the Divisional Secretary, Wildlife Conservation Officers and Farmers’ Organizations to work jointly to construct and protect the elephant fence.
The Gomarankadawala area is considered as one of the areas that lack educational facilities in the island. Many educational issues have arisen due to lack of infrastructure facilities, physical resources and shortage of teachers. ‘Rs. 34 million have been allocated for the construction and renovation of teachers’ quarters in 34 schools in the Trincomalee District and plans have been made to install water filters in 15 schools as a solution to the drinking water issue’, the Secretary to Education Ministry said.
The Secretary further added that steps have been taken to call for applications next week to fill the existing vacancies across the country for teachers in subjects such as Mathematics, English, Science and Computer Technology. It was also stated that it is planned to provide 05 computers to each Pirivenas in the Trincomalee District and to develop playgrounds and infrastructure facilities for students of all Piriven Colleges in the island.
The President instructed the officials to take swift measures to construct an auditorium and classrooms for Kivulekadawala Vidyalaya, to develop the infrastructure facilities of all schools in the district including Gomarankadawala Maha Vidyalaya and to address the issue of shortage of teachers.
The possibility of making Gomarankadawala an education zone and the development of Mahadivulwewa Maha Vidyalaya as a trilingual model school were also discussed.
The President paid special attention to the rehabilitation of the agricultural road network in the area including Adampane-Pulikandikulam, Epagama-Konabendiwewa, Kivulekadawala-Helambawewa, Kattikulam by-roads.
The President directed the Road Development Authority to carpet and develop 41 roads including the road from Tiriyaya Junction to Girihandu Seya Viharaya, Bakmigama-Rangiri Ulpatha and Malporuwa-Pulmude road within the next three years.
The President also emphasized the need to address the shortcomings of many religious places, including the Adampane Khettarama Temple.
The low quality health facilities is another problem faced by the people in the area. It was decided to address the shortage of medical, nursing staff and other staff members in several hospitals including Gomarankadawala Rural Hospital and Kantale Base Hospital, Morawewa, Thambalagamuwa hospitals and to develop other infrastructure facilities as well. Focusing on the number of kidney patients in the Padavi Sri Pura area, the President stressed the need for the immediate installation of a Blood Dialysis Machine.
The President instructed the officials to renovate the irrigation system including Pulikandikulama tank, Konabendiwewa, Epagama anicut, Thimbiriwewa, Epagama tank and Maha Helamba tank and provide necessary facilities for cultivation purposes. “Rs. 125 million have been allocated for the rehabilitation of 39 tanks in the area and another 99 tanks will be developed under the program ‘Vari Saubhagya’ (Irrigation Prosperity)” said the Secretary to the Ministry of Irrigation.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Water Supply said that the Adampane water project is planned to solve the drinking water problem in 54 Grama Niladhari Divisions.
Governor of the Eastern Province Anuradha Yahampath, Parliamentarian Kapila Athukorala, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga, People’s Representatives of the District, Secretaries to the Ministries, Heads of Government Institutions and the Security Forces and a large number of people participated in the 12th “Discussion with the Village” program held at Kivulekadawala.
Go to the ground and see before giving permanent solutions …
A long term sustainable remedy to stop wild elephant intrusions …
No people’s problems should be swept under the carpet giving misinterpretations …
-President advises officials at Puttalam “Discussion with the Village” programme
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has categorically directed that officials with decision making powers must attend District and Regional Development Committee meetings to implement people-centric projects.
The President stated that from the outset of the “Discussion with the Village” programme, he had realized that the lack of proper involvement of responsible officials was the main reason for the delay in implementing useful projects and the loss of benefits to the people.
The people are suffering due to the endless tug of war between the officials, respective institutions and the people’s representatives. The President reiterated the need for the responsible officials of all key institutions including wildlife, forest conservation, environment and road development to make collective decisions in the implementation of projects.
Absence of proper land use planning is not the fault of the people, President Rajapaksa said while adding that it is essentially important that officials go grassroots to witness the real situation with their own eyes, when providing long term solutions to many rural problems, including land issues. Some people misinterpret policy decisions that were taken for the benefit of the people. President Rajapaksa stressed that he will never allow the real issues of the people to be swept under the carpet by using misinterpretations as an excuse.
The President made these remarks participating in the 11th “Discussion with the Village” programme held yesterday (20) at the Nelumwewa Community Hall premises in the Paligama Grama Niladhari Division of the Karuwalagaswewa Divisional Secretariat Division, Puttalam District.
“The poorest and most difficult villages in the island are selected as the venue for the “Discussion with the Village” programme. The people living in these villages have been suffering from numerous unresolved issues for a long period of time. These problems cannot be solved by looking at them from an officials’ or any other party’s perspective alone. Therefore, the officials and the villagers can make the right decisions by meeting each other,” the President said addressing the gathering at Nelumwewa Community Hall.
The “Discussion with the Village” programme commenced on September 25, 2020 from Badulla district. Thereafter programmes were organized covering Matale, Ratnapura, Anuradhapura, Ampara, Polonnaruwa, Kalutara, Moneragala , Kegalle and Kandy districts. The idea behind this programme is for the President to talk to the rural communities living in remote and difficult areas without intermediaries about their long-standing unresolved problems and to present them directly to the officials in order to find solutions. Problems that can be solved on the spot are instantly addressed. The rest which take time to deal with are noted down to find solutions later. The objective of the programme is to reach out to the people of the village, understand their problems and find solutions giving considerations to their own suggestions.
Paligama village is located 23km away from Puttalam town, bordering Nawagattegama and Anamaduwa Divisional Secretariat areas. This village is mentioned in folklore as the village where the shield of King Dutugemunu fell. It was later came to be known as “Paligama”. Neliwewa, Siyambalawewa, Nelumwewa, Rajavigama and Heenatikalma fall under the limits of the Paligama Grama Niladhari Division. 78 families from Wariyapola, Yapahuwa, Nikaweratiya and Hiriyala areas who had to be evicted due to the Deduru Oya project have been resettled in the village under the first phase. Currently, the total population of Paligama is 1533 consisting of 447 families. Out of them 171 families are Samurdhi beneficiaries. Paddy and chena cultivation are the main livelihood of the people of the village.
Damages to crops and loss of human lives caused by the wild elephant intrusions is a serious and long-standing issue faced by the people in the area. President Rajapaksa emphasized the need for well-planned, sustainable and lasting solution to this problem without resorting to ad-hoc remedies. The President pointed out that for the success of a long-term solution, measures should be taken to expedite the construction of tanks inside the forest area, planting of trees that provide fodder for the wild elephants, activating electric fences and digging of trenches.
President Rajapaksa dealing with shortcomings that he saw on his way to Paligama that adversely affect the lives of the people in the area added that the canals were not properly maintained, tanks have filled up and are covered with weeds. It did not appear that due attention has been paid to uplift the lives of the people. He also added that steps should be taken to increase the yield of farmers as well.
At the “Discussion with the Village” programme yesterday, the President assessed the educational needs of the area. The President instructed the relevant officials to develop the buildings, playgrounds and other infrastructure facilities and to address the shortage of teachers in Rajavigama Junior School, Muriyakulama Junior School, Aluthgama Dutugemunu School, Anamaduwa U.B. Jayasuriya Vidyalaya, Inginimitiya Maha Vidyalaya and Galawewa Maha Vidyalaya.
The President directed the officials to come up with a strategy to fulfill the building and human resources requirements of every school in the country within five years and to design a simple and cost-effective plan to construct buildings covering the larger part of schools in remote areas.
Rajavigama-Paligama, Nuriyakulama-Galkulama, Paligama-Nelumwewa, Mullegama-Inginimitiya, Wijayapura Mawatha, Nuriyakulama-Nelumgama roads and Kaladiya-Meeoya bridge were also earmarked to be developed promptly.
Salination of drinking water sources is another major problem faced by these people. Ways and means of meeting drinking water requirements of a number of villages in the Puttalam District were discussed at length.
President Rajapaksa inquired from the officials about the delays in implementing irrigation development projects in the area.
The President stressed the need to expedite the development of tanks and dams in Heenatikalma Wewa, Nelum Wewa, Moragaha Wewa, Inginimitiya, Tabbowa, Puliamkulama and Kahatapiliyawa areas. It was also decided to implement the water diversion project from Rajanganaya reservoir to Karuwalagaswewa under a new plan.
The President emphasized that steps should be taken to develop the infrastructure facilities of Anamaduwa, Chilaw, Nawagattegama, Tabbowa and Aluthwewa hospitals and to resolve the shortage of medical, nursing and other categories of staff.
The two laptops donated by the SLT Mobitel and a television set and internet connection donated by Dialog Axiata were handed over to the principals of the Rajavigama and Muriyakulama Junior schools by the President.
Mr. N.K. Wijeratne, a farmer residing in Wanathawilluwa area handed over a sum of Rs. 50,000 to the President as a donation to the COVID-19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund.
North Western Province Governor Raja Collure, State Ministers Sanath Nishantha, Piyankara Jayaratne, Arundika Fernando, Members of Parliament Chinthaka Amal Mayadunne, Ashoka Priyantha, Ali Sabri Raheem, Former Member of Parliament Dayasritha Tissera, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga, People’s Representatives of the District, Secretaries to the Ministries, Heads of Government Institutions and Security Forces officials and a large number of people were present at the 11h “Discussion with the Village” session held in Paligama.