1st Research Symposium of Textile & Apparel Industry 2023

1st RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM ON TEXTILE AND APPAREL INDUSTRY 2023

Promising practical Research and development is a timely need to overcome the crisis of Sri Lanka. As a leading government entity who provide technical training and consultancy to textile and Apparel industry Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel (SLITA)has a mandate to boost Research culture through academic, industry and political linkage. To initiate its move SLITA showcased the first Research symposium in its history under the theme “TEXTILE & APPAREL INNOVATION FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT”.The Research symposium is chaired by prominent academia, strengthen through industry participation and honoured through political presence. 

The symposium was graced by the presence of Minister Hon. (Dr.) Ramesh Pathirana, M.P., Minister of Plantation Industries and Minister of Industries and Hon. Prasanna Ranaweera, State Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises Development along with Secretaries of the Ministries Mrs. Thilaka Jasaundera Secretary- Ministry Of Industries, Mr. Janaka  Dharamakeethi- Secretary- Ministry of Plantation, Mr. M.N.Ranasighe- Secretary-Ministry Of Education and Chairperson of SLITA Additional Secretary Mrs. Nanadanie Samarawickrama. 

The symposium is chaired by Prof M.M. Pathamalal, University of Sri Jayawardanapura along  with co-chair Prof Samudrika Wijepala,University of Moratuwa. Key note address was presented by  Prof. Hemantha Dodampahala, Chairman of National Research Council of Sri Lanka. 

The prominent academia Prof Chaminie Nagallage- University of Sri Jayawardanapura, Prof. Samapah Amarathunga- Chairman UGC and leading lecturers from University of Moratuwa, University of Colombo, University of Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba University and Open University participated for the symposium. 

The prominent leaders of the industry Mr. Yohan Lawrence;Secretary of JAAF , Ms. Ganga Siriwardane; DGM  of Raw material sourcing & development at MAS Holdings-MAS Intimates,  Ms. Leonie Vass; Manager Sustainability and Innovation- Hayleys Fabric PLC, and industry representatives from Hayleys Fabric, Bondvile, Omega Line, G Flock, Magi, Hela clothing, Bobbin, TeeJay, Best Pacific, Timex, Smart Shirts  participated for the symposium.

Further, to provide government representation chairpersons of IDB, NEDA, NCC, NDC, DTI, Laksala, Salusala, Ministry of Finance  and CEA participated for the symposium. Board members of SLITA, Director General of SLITA Chartered Archt. Sarath Fernando, Directors and Acting Registrar played immense role in managing this symposium and organizing part was carried out by our dedicated staff. 

We convey our heartiest gratitude for all who made this event successful with their contributions and presence.