Sri Lanka’s apparel industry made a strong and impactful presence at Source Fashion London 2026, held from 13 to 15 January at Olympia London, United Kingdom, reinforcing the country’s position as a reliable and competitive global sourcing destination.
The Sri Lanka Pavilion, comprising 20 stalls, showcased leading apparel manufacturers, including 12 small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). The pavilion was organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom, with the primary objective of identifying new buyers and further strengthening Sri Lanka’s apparel exports to the UK market.
This participation was particularly significant as Sri Lankan garment exports gained duty-free access to the UK market from 1 January 2026. Under the newly liberalized trade framework, Sri Lankan manufacturers are now permitted to source up to 100% of their inputs from any country worldwide while continuing to enjoy duty-free entry into the UK. The revised rules have removed earlier constraints, including the requirement for two substantial manufacturing processes to be carried out locally, thereby enhancing flexibility, competitiveness, and cost efficiency for exporters.
The exhibition was ceremonially inaugurated on 13 January 2026, with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held at the Sri Lanka Pavilion in the presence of His Excellency Nimal Senadheera, Sri Lanka High Commissioner to the UK; Lord Hannett of Everton, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka; and Mr. Binupa Liyanage, Board Director of the EDB, along with invited guests, Sri Lankan exhibitors, officials of the High Commission, and EDB representatives.
The Sri Lanka Pavilion featured exhibitors from the apparel, textile, and accessories sectors, highlighting the country’s diverse manufacturing capabilities and strong adherence to international quality, ethical, and sustainability standards. In addition, a dedicated stall promoting “Creative Sri Lanka 2030” was organized, providing a platform to showcase the country’s vibrant creative industry. Five Sri Lankan brands representing the creative sector displayed their products, highlighting Sri Lanka’s innovation, craftsmanship, and design excellence. This initiative helped promote the diversity of Sri Lanka’s export offerings while creating new opportunities for creative industry brands to engage with international buyers and expand their global market presence.
A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of Sri Lanka’s National Export Brand, “Your Vital Island,” on the opening day of the exhibition.