Sri Lanka’s textile industry is expected to receive enhanced support following discussions with India on expanding cooperation in the sector, according to Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunneththi.
The Minister made the remarks after attending the Bharat Tex international exhibition in New Delhi at the invitation of India’s Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh.
He said bilateral discussions focused on securing Indian technical expertise and investment to modernize Sri Lanka’s textile industry and improve its competitiveness in international markets.
Minister Handunneththi noted that the talks also explored opportunities for Sri Lankan youth to receive degree-level education at India’s National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), while promoting joint initiatives that combine Sri Lanka’s traditional handloom industry with modern textile technologies.
In addition, discussions covered potential Indian investments in Sri Lanka’s mineral resources sector as part of efforts to accelerate the country’s industrial development.
The meeting was attended by India’s Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India Mahishini Colonne, and senior officials from both countries.
The Minister said the discussions marked an important step in strengthening bilateral industrial cooperation, expressing confidence that India’s support would contribute to the growth and global competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s textile and manufacturing sectors.
