With the objective of creating a wider awareness of “Garments without Guilt” - an initiative launched by Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), Minister of Export Promotion and International Trade, Hon. Prof. G. L. Peiris and a senior member delegation led by Mr. Ajith Dias, Chairman / JAAF were in Washington D.C. from 24 - 28 June 2007.

The combined efforts made by the Government of Sri Lanka and the apparel industry under the “Garments without Guilt” initiative ensure that the Sri Lankan apparel industry is free of sweatshop conditions, with no child labor or forced labor involved.

From a very modest and rudimentary setting that existed about three and a half decades ago, the Sri Lankan apparel industry has emerged as one of most sophisticated apparel manufacturing centers in the world. Today, Sri Lanka supplies garments to many well-known and prestigious brands such as Gap, Nike, Victoria’s Secrete, Next, Liz Claiborne, Tommy-Hilfiger, Triumph, Marks & Spencer and Speedo.

Sri Lanka now enjoys world-class manufacturing facilities and international reputation as a reliable and quality manufacturer and maintains a highest level of social and environmental sustainability.

On the labor front, Sri Lanka has ratified all 27 ILO conventions, including Prohibition of Child Labor, Prohibition of Forced labor and Prohibition of Discrimination on Any Grounds.

Delegation meets NGOs

As regards environment, Sri Lanka has ratified around 40 international conventions including Montreal Protocol, Kyoto Protocol, Convention on Bio Diversity, Basel Convention, Stockholm Convention and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

These commitments are backed by strong legislation that demand safe and healthy working conditions, governed hours of work, social security fund contributions and environment protection standards.

The world famous Marks & Spencer Group has selected Sri Lanka as the venue to set up the world’s first ever Green Apparel Plant. The green technology will ensure 100% carbon neutrality, 25% reduction in energy consumption, zero-waste to land fill and 25% reduction in packaging. The plant will be up and running by end 2008.

In recognition of Sri Lanka’s commitment to protection of worker rights and environment, the EU rewarded Sri Lanka with “GSP Plus” in 2005. Sri Lanka can now export as many as 7,200 products to the vast EU market at zero duty under this facility.

In 2005, Sri Lanka also won the prestigious AAFA (American Apparel and Footwear Association) award for “Excellence in Social Responsibility - Women Issues”. The 2006 AAFA award for “Excellence in Social Responsibility - Preservation of Environment” was also accorded Sri Lanka in recognition of its dedication to environment protection.

Sri Lanka apparel makers are determined to remain committed to these ethical values, although their products are facing an increasingly difficult competition in the international market from low cost apparel. However, they request policy makers around the world and the international business community to give due recognition to the products made with integrity, which can go a long way in setting standards for others. They point out that the commitment made by Sri Lankan apparel makers in upholding corporate social responsibility should not be a disincentive for their products in the international market.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington DC
USA

16 July 2007