President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today held discussions with leading apparel industry representatives and investors to identify solutions to challenges facing the sector and strengthen Sri Lanka’s export-led economy.

The meeting, held at the Presidential Secretariat, focused on practical issues confronting the apparel industry and support required to implement the Export Development Board’s new export strategy.

During the discussion, the President assured the Government’s full support for efforts to strengthen export industries and increase foreign exchange earnings. He also encouraged investors to expand operations into rural areas, stating that such investments could significantly boost the country’s export economy.

The President outlined plans for a Government-backed “Plug and Play” mechanism under which infrastructure and factory facilities would be provided to facilitate investments.

Addressing the current economic situation, he stressed the importance of strengthening dollar-earning sectors to support Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange position, noting that economic recovery depends on increasing foreign currency income while managing rupee-denominated expenditure.

The discussion also focused on land-related issues faced by investors. The President said legal reforms are underway to ensure policy stability and protect the value of land assets.

Representatives of the apparel sector also raised concerns over the impact of the Value Added Tax (VAT) system on local raw material suppliers. The President requested industry stakeholders to submit proposals on possible relief measures.

The meeting further explored ways to expand market access through free trade agreements and increased quotas.

Officials noted that the National Single Window for Trade is expected to become operational by the end of July, while the National Single Window for Investment is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

Industry representatives welcomed the opportunity to directly engage with the President and requested a monthly forum to discuss emerging issues with relevant officials. The President instructed officials to take steps to facilitate such discussions.

Senior Government officials, representatives of the Export Development Board, Inland Revenue Department, Sri Lanka Customs, and leading apparel industry stakeholders attended the meeting.