Apparel Sector Challenges: President Pledges Swift Policy & Infrastructure Solutions 📈

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake chaired a high-level discussion with leading investors and officials to strengthen Sri Lanka’s apparel & textiles sector, focusing on boosting dollar earnings and executing the Export Development Board’s (EDB) new export strategy. • Infrastructure & Investment: The government proposed a "Plug and Play" mechanism providing ready infrastructure and factory buildings. Investors were encouraged to expand operations into rural areas to boost the national export economy and regional employment. • Taxation & Supplier Relief: Special attention was given to VAT-related challenges faced by local raw material suppliers. The President requested prompt business proposals for alternative relief measures. • Trade & Policy Modernization: - National Single Window for Trade to be operational by late July 2026. - National Single Window for Investment slated for completion by year-end. - Discussions held on expanding free trade agreements and increasing quotas to broaden market access. • Governance & Land Reforms: Legal reforms are underway to resolve investor land issues and maintain policy stability. To replace the PTA, a new law targeting organized crime and preventing illicit capital flight will be introduced. • Operational Continuity: Responding to investor requests, the President approved a monthly institutional forum to consistently resolve operational bottlenecks.