Right of Reply: JAAF responds to Our Thought on apparel sector workers

The following is a Right of Reply sent by the Joint Apparel Association Forum of Sri Lanka in response to Our Thought titled ‘Apparel sector workers are humans too’ published on May 22, 2025:

As the apex body of the Sri Lankan Apparel industry, The Joint Apparel Association Forum of Sri Lanka (JAAF) wishes to correct and clarify certain false allegations raised in the opinion column published in the Daily Mirror in the “Our Thoughts” section on 22nd May titled “Apparel sector workers are humans too…”. At the outset, we wish to reiterate that JAAF welcomes open dialogue on labour rights. Unfortunately, however, the article in question contains several inaccuracies and unsubstantiated claims that paint a false and damaging picture of Sri Lanka’s apparel industry, particularly in relation to: 

• The industry’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic 

• Employee livelihoods 

• Compliance of JAAF members with national laws. 

Apparel industry COVID-19 crisis and response 

The industry was at the forefront of safeguarding employee welfare. A notable example is the apparel industry-led conversion of a manufacturing facility in the Katunayake Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) into a fully operational 400-bed COVID care centre in partnership with the Negombo Base Hospital. Similar facilities were established across the island through the investment and effort of the apparel industry. The sector also provided PCR testing equipment to the government and offered to cover the cost of importing vaccines, not just for the industry but for the public as well. 

In addition, a landmark tripartite agreement was reached between industry, unions, and the government to ensure continued wage payments during factory closures—a globally recognised best practice in social dialogue. Sri Lanka was the only country to implement such a mechanism, which protected both workers and businesses during an unprecedented crisis. (Sources: https://www.theglobaldeal.com/content/dam/theglobaldeal/en/good-practice-pdfs/a-landmark 

agreement-in-the-sri-lanka-garment-industry.pdf/_jcr_content/renditions/original./a-landmark agreement-in-the-sri-lanka-garment-industry.pdf ) 

The article’s suggestion that companies arbitrarily shut down and terminate workers requires clarification. COVID-19 triggered a global economic contraction, and Sri Lanka was no exception. If specific closures are being referenced, the author should provide details. Otherwise, such statements remain speculative and misleading.

The claim that there are “specific laws” requiring companies to notify workers ahead of closures is also questionable. To our knowledge, no such provision exists. Companies are legally obligated to provide due compensation, which, in the case cited in your article, was clearly communicated by the company, along with a commitment to enhance the statutory severance package—arguably a first in terms of transparency and goodwill in such situations. 

The article refers to “decent pay” without offering any basis for comparison. In fact, the wages at the plant in question exceeded both the industry average and the newly increased national minimum wage. 

The suggestion that the industry sought to increase female overtime limits is false. No such request has ever been made by the industry. However, it is worth noting that current overtime restrictions on women are among the many systemic barriers limiting female participation in Sri Lanka’s workforce—currently at just 30%. 

On the issue of remuneration structures, the assertion that “a majority” of workers are paid daily is inaccurate. As per Board of Investment (BOI) regulations, apparel sector workers must be compensated on a monthly basis, and nearly all apparel exporters operate under BOI oversight. The lack of factual evidence is indicative of the intention of the article. 

Finally, the company mentioned in the article—NEXT Manufacturing—is one of only two brand-owned foreign direct investments in Sri Lanka’s apparel sector. The decision to close operations at KEPZ was clearly attributed to rising production costs, not labour-related issues. Misrepresenting this reality and levelling anonymous accusations does a disservice to the entire industry and its nearly one million livelihoods. Such unfounded narratives damage Sri Lanka’s global reputation and risk reducing future orders—outcomes with serious national implications. 

We urge your publication to uphold the standards of balanced journalism, especially when addressing matters of national economic significance. The apparel industry remains committed to responsible employment practices and stands open to constructive, fact-based dialogue. 

Yours faithfully, 

On behalf of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF)