Emerald Clothing acquires selected Hela Factories

• Safeguards jobs and Sri Lanka’s export base 

Emerald Clothing (Pvt.) Ltd has stepped in to secure the continuity of key operations previously run by Hela Clothing (Private) Limited, in a move aimed at stabilising exports and safeguarding employment. 

The intervention comes as Hela faces liquidity constraints. 

Emerald Clothing said it has implemented an operational transition to ensure that the manufacturing output and selected customer deliveries continue without disruption. 

The company said several thousand jobs across multiple facilities are being supported through this transition, alongside the ongoing commitments to international apparel buyers. 

Key manufacturing facilities in Sri Lanka (Thihariya and Palapathwala) as well as design and development functions in the United Kingdom and United States will continue to operate under the Emerald Clothing’s management.  

“Our focus is execution and stability – keeping factories running, protecting livelihoods and ensuring customers see no disruption,” said Mohomed Salim Suhurdeen, representing the investor group. 

“This is about maintaining confidence in Sri Lanka as a reliable sourcing destination.” 

While the global economic situation poses challenges for the apparel export business, Emerald is confident it can create long-term value from the assets and teams it acquires.

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry, which accounts for a significant share of export earnings and employment, has faced pressure from the shifts in global demand and local financial constraints. 

The industry participants have warned that the disruptions to large manufacturers could have wider supply chain implications. 

Emerald Clothing is part of a broader group with interests spanning manufacturing, retail and brand development. The company said it would prioritise operational discipline, delivery reliability and customer retention as it integrates the transitioned operations.