Apparel industry of Sri Lanka

[4][5] Sri Lanka's apparel industry began to grow significantly in the 1980s as an alternative to India's garment manufacturers, because of its open economic policy as well as the trade and investment-friendly environment.

In 1985, Martin Trust, one of the pioneers in the development of "speed sourcing"[6] for the American fashion retail sector, began working with Sri Lankan textile and apparel companies.

Including Trust's partnership with German brassiere maker, Triumph International, and Sri Lankan company, MAS Holdings, to create a new venture called Bodyline.

Sri Lanka nationals are primary owners of 85% of the small-to-mid-sized factories, while larger operations are typically joint ventures or foreign-owned.

Through the long-running Garments without Guilt campaign, the industry's trade association, Sri Lanka Apparel has called attention to its adherence to ethical considerations, including its opposition to child labour.

[20] Among the largest firms in the Sri Lanka apparel industry, employing about 100,000 people,[21] is MAS Holdings, which is a supplier to Gap, Marks and Spencer, Nike and Victoria's Secret, among others.

In recent years, MAS has placed a strong emphasis on corporate social responsibility, for which it has been recognised with a CIMA Financial Management Award in 2007.