Message from the
Chairman
Having been a key contributor to the Sri Lankan economy over the past four decades, the pandemic has underscored the value the apparel industry brings to our island nation. The evolution of our industry from contract manufacturers to total solutions providers has been documented extensively. With a knack for innovation, agile and flexible manufacturing solutions as well as constant focus on sustainable and ethical practices, the Sri Lankan apparel industry has gained confidence and plaudits from some of the biggest global brands in the sector.
Employing nearly 400,000 personnel directly and with indirect employment opportunities created for nearly 800,000 Sri Lankans, the apparel industry continues to be one of the single largest industries contributing to the development of the country. Having weathered the initial year of the pandemic, the industry was able to regain momentum and close 2021 on a high note with revenue reaching pre pandemic levels. Coupled with an aggressive vaccination drive among our facilities and the renewed support of our customers, the industry is now looking ahead to the milestone of USD 8Bn revenue by 2025.
Whilst the emergence of the digital marketplace was deemed the next big thing nearly two decades ago, the impact it has had on global industries far exceeds all expectations. Although the Sri Lankan apparel industry has made some headway in the digital space, it is important that we continue to pursue the options especially in serving start ups and pure play digital brands which will have significant growth potential if the current trends continue.
The pandemic has made all organizations along the supply chain reflect on various aspects of the industry from how our talent is taken care of, to operations and logistics. It has increased the appeal for ethical and sustainable processes and intensified the call for responsibility to the planet and its beings. Having commenced our journey into becoming a sustainable sourcing destination very early and with our reputation for ethical manufacturing practices, Sri Lanka has a significant edge to service customers and meet their renewed expectations whilst delighting them with our craftsmanship and quality.
As always, Sri Lanka apparel looks forward to a bigger, better and brighter future as a total solutions hub to the world.
Mr.Felix Fernando
Chairman
MR. AROON HIRDARAMANI
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
MR. HEMANTHA PERERA
Deputy Chairman
Mr.Yohan Lawrence
Secretary General
Chairman
Mr.Felix Fernando
- Chief Executive Officer / Managing Director – Omega Line Ltd.
- Director – Sirio Ltd., Benji Ltd., and Alpha Apparels Ltd.
Mr. Felix A. Fernando is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Omega Line Ltd., and a Group Director of the ONIVERSE (Italy) operations in Sri Lanka.
He holds a B.Sc. (Special) Degree in Business Administration from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and an MBA from the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM), University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. Mr. Fernando is a Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), UK, and a Certified Global Management Accountant (CGMA). He is also a Fellow Member of the Institute of Management Accountants of Sri Lanka and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Professional Managers of Sri Lanka.
Mr. Fernando has completed Executive Education programmes at Harvard Business School, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, the National University of Singapore, and AOTS, Japan. He brings over 35 years of experience in the manufacturing sector, including nearly 26 years in the apparel industry.
He has been instrumental in the growth of Omega Line in Sri Lanka since the establishment of its first manufacturing facility in 1999. Today, the Group comprises four BOI-approved companies operating seven factories and employing over 15,000 people, and is recognised as one of the largest apparel exporters in Sri Lanka.
Mr. Fernando has served extensively in leadership roles within the apparel and business community. He is currently the Chairman of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) and a Past Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Apparel of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board. He is also a Past Chairman of the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association and has served as a Committee Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and as a Board Member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel.
In addition, he currently serves as a Member of the Governing Council of the BCI Catholic Institute of Higher Education (BCI Campus) and previously served as a Member of the Finance Committee for the Papal Visit to Sri Lanka in 2015. He is also the Charter President of the Omega Line Toastmasters Club.
Mr. Fernando is a sought-after keynote speaker at both local and international conferences and has participated as a panellist in numerous industry and leadership forums.
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
MR. AROON HIRDARAMANI
- Director - Hirdaramani Group
Deputy Chairman
MR. HEMANTHA PERERA
- Managing Director – Sarasavi Exports (Pvt) Ltd / Isabella (Pvt) Ltd
Secretary General
Mr.Yohan Lawrence
Former Leadership
2024 – 2025
Former Chairman
MR. SAIFUDDIN JAFFERJEE
Managing Director of Lanka Garment Manufacturing Company (Pvt) Ltd and JB Rubber Products.
A Group Director of Jafferjee Brothers.
2022-2023
Former Chairman
Mr. Sharad Amalean
Co-founder and Board Member of MAS Holdings (Pvt) Ltd
2020 - 2022
Former Chairman
Mr. A.Sukumaran
Managing Director
Star Garments Ltd
2017 - 2019
Former Chairman
Mr. Sharad Amalean
Deputy Chairman
MAS Holdings (Pvt) Ltd
2015-2016
Former Chairman
Mr. Noel Priyatilleke
Managing Director
Fascinations Export (Pvt.) Ltd.
2012 - 2015
Former Chairman
Mr. M Azeem Ismail
Managing Director
Maliban Textiles (Pvt) Ltd.
2009 - 2012
Former Chairman
Mr. A Sukumaran
Managing Director
Star Garments Ltd
2006 - 2009
Former Chairman
Mr. Ajith Dias
Former Chairman
Brandix Lanka Ltd
2002 - 2006
Founder Chairman
Mr. Ashroff Omar
Group Chief Executive Officer
Brandix Lanka Ltd