NCE urges all industries to adhere to health protocols
„■ Acknowledges leading role by apparel sector amid COVID-19 challenges
The apparel sector contributes 44 percent to Sri Lanka’s export revenue and provides employment opportunities to a large labour force in rural and urban areas of the country.
The sector’s direct and indirect employment has attributed uplifting living standards, conforming to globally renowned ethical and good manufacturing practices (GMP). This has earned the sobriquet ‘Garments without Guilt’ while catering to many internationally reputed brands.
The enterprises export their products to discerning markets, led by the US, EU and Far East. With the COVID-19 pandemic, both large and SME exporters adopted their product portfolios to match a wide range of special protective apparels that were urgently needed by consumers. This earned the confidence and reputation among buyers for being able to adopt production during challenging times.
The COVID-19 preventive measures taken by Sri Lanka helped to minimise the effects caused by the pandemic. Effective Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing and contact tracing mechanism have supported the dedicated medical personnel, healthcare workers and tri-forces to manage the pandemic efficiently.
It is commendable to note the leadership provided by the president and his dedicated team of officials, to keep our country safe in the best possible manner.
The apparel producers have adopted the health guidelines issued by the government to control the spread of the pandemic. Based on the recent incidents, the NCE wishes to reiterate the importance of effective enforcement of health protocols at all factories. While appreciating the swift measures adopted by the authorities to minimise the impact on the present situation, the NCE urges all to strictly adhere to the health protocols and ensure similar incidents will not occur in future.
The NCE said we need to be mindful, each time a ‘relapse occurs’ the country undergoes socio-economic challenges that take a very long time to remedy.