The Sri Lanka Chamber of Garment Exporters (SLCGE) has presented a proposal to establish a pioneering Design Hub aimed at strengthening the global competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s small and medium-scale apparel manufacturers.
The proposal was formally submitted to Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe during a meeting held on May 28. The SLCGE delegation was led by President Nishantha Bakmeege and included chamber officials Jeremy Enas, Menuka Gunawardana and Shehan Olegasageram.
According to SLCGE, the proposed Design Hub will be the first initiative of its kind in Sri Lanka’s apparel sector. It is envisioned as a centralized platform that will showcase the craftsmanship, innovation and product portfolios of SME apparel manufacturers through a single national-level facility.
The hub is expected to serve as a one-stop destination for international buyers, enabling them to directly engage with certified SLCGE member companies. Industry representatives believe the initiative will help remove traditional barriers to market access, facilitate direct business partnerships and create new export opportunities for local manufacturers.
SLCGE officials noted that the project would enhance the visibility of Sri Lankan apparel producers in global markets while improving their ability to compete internationally. The initiative is also expected to contribute to increased export earnings and support broader national economic development goals.
During the discussions, Deputy Minister Abeysinghe welcomed the proposal and acknowledged its potential to support industrial transformation and the growth of small and medium enterprises. Both parties engaged in constructive discussions on possible avenues for collaboration between the Ministry and the Chamber. The meeting concluded with agreement on the need for further technical discussions and institutional engagement to advance the concept, which stakeholders believe could become a landmark development for Sri Lanka’s apparel industry.