The pavilion was officially inaugurated by High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the UK, Nimal Senadheera, and UK Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka, Lord Hannett of Everton OBE. The event was attended by apparel and fashion industry representatives, exhibitors, invitees, and officials from the Export Development Board (EDB) Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka High Commission in London.
Sri Lanka’s participation was jointly organized by the EDB, the Sri Lankan apparel industry, and the Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK, aiming to strengthen trade ties, expand buyer networks, and position Sri Lanka as a preferred sourcing destination for the UK and European markets.
The pavilion featured 20 Sri Lankan apparel booths, including 12 small and medium enterprises, showcasing locally manufactured apparel, textiles, handmade products, and value-added solutions for industrial and consumer use. Exhibitors highlighted high-quality, ethically produced collections, with a focus on sustainability, transparency, innovation, and long-term partnerships. Notable participants included Star Garments Group, Insomnia, J K Garments, Hayleys Free Zone Ltd, and the Creative Sri Lanka booth, among others.
Sri Lankan apparel was also featured in Source Fashion Catwalk Shows, highlighting the country’s design and manufacturing capabilities alongside international collections. Sri Lanka’s presence was further strengthened by new trade opportunities under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which allows zero import duty for exports from countries meeting liberalized Rules of Origin, effective from 1 January 2026. The flexibility under DCTS is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Sri Lankan apparel in the UK market.
