Garment Exporters Chamber presents SLCGE Design Hub proposal to Industry Ministry

From left: SLCGE Executive Committee Member Menuka Gunawardana, Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, SLCGE President Nishantha Bakmeege, SLCGE Chamber Secretary Jeremy Enas and SLCGE Executive Committee Member Shehan Olegasageram 

A high-level delegation from the Sri Lanka Chamber of Garment Exporters (SLCGE) met with Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, at his office, to formally present a strategic proposal for the establishment of the SLCGE Design Hub.

The SLCGE delegation was led by President Nishantha Bakmeege, accompanied by chamber officials Jeremy Enas, Menuka Gunawardana and Shehan Olegasageram.

The proposed SLCGE Design Hub represents a pioneering initiative and is expected to be the first of its kind within Sri Lanka’s apparel industry. 

The concept introduces a centralised platform designed to showcase the craftsmanship, innovation and comprehensive product portfolios of the SME apparel manufacturers under one coordinated national level facility.

The hub is envisioned as a one-stop destination for international apparel buyers, enabling direct engagement with certified SLCGE member manufacturers. This model aims to eliminate traditional barriers in market access, facilitate direct business linkages and significantly enhance export opportunities for Sri Lanka’s SME apparel sector.
By integrating member capabilities under a unified platform, the initiative seeks to strengthen the visibility and competitiveness of the local manufacturers in the global marketplace. 

It is also expected to contribute meaningfully to improving the export revenue and supporting national economic development objectives.

During the discussions, Abeysinghe expressed a positive and encouraging response to the proposal, recognising its innovative nature and its potential alignment with national priorities for industrial transformation and SME growth. 

The dialogue was described as productive and forward-looking, with constructive engagement on possible collaboration frameworks between the ministry and SLCGE.

The meeting concluded on an optimistic note, with a mutual agreement on the importance of further developing the concept through continued technical discussions and institutional engagement, paving the way for what could become a landmark initiative for Sri Lanka’s apparel sector.