The year 2014 saw a remarkable growth of 36 per cent in Sri Lanka’s exports to the United Kingdom, confirming the UK as Sri Lanka’s top export destination in Europe, points out British High Commissioner in Sri Lanka John Rankin while welcoming this growth and noted that there are continuing strong opportunities for British companies in the Sri Lankan market.

He said, “These latest figures demonstrate the strong demand from British buyers for high quality goods manufactured in Sri Lanka, notably in the apparel and clothing accessories sector.  M&S, Next, George for Asda, and Tesco all operate sourcing offices in this country. Overall, there are over 100 UK companies successfully operating in Sri Lanka.

“Trade and investment is a two-way relationship and I look forward to further growing British exports to this country. People in Sri Lanka share a strong affinity with high quality UK brands and there is continuing demand for top class British products, from food and drink to highly engineered equipment.”

British companies can explore these opportunities by contacting the UK Trade and Investment section of the British High Commission in Colombo.

Meanwhile, UK retail brands have identified Sri Lanka as a strong supply partner, due to the country’s labour standards and the success of Sri Lankan apparel sector’s ‘Garments without guilt’ campaign which focused on ethically-made clothing i.e. free of child labour, sweatshop conditions and forced labour while ensuring sustainable manufacturing practices.

Statistics from HM Revenues and Customs indicate that the total value of exports to the UK from Sri Lanka in 2014 stood at Sterling Pounds 1,158 million, a 36% increase from 2013.

Apparel and clothing accessories exports amounted to Sterling Pounds 865 million in 2014, a growth of 34%, while comprising 74% of total exports.

The total UK exports to Sri Lanka in 2014 were valued at Sterling Pounds 165 million.

Sri Lanka supplies to several UK retailers including M&S, Next, George for Asda, Matalan, Tesco, BHS, and Primark.

Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers have also cemented the country’s position in sustainable garment manufacturing.  The first eco-factory under M&S’s ‘Plan A’ strategy was constructed in Sri Lanka to produce eco-friendly lingerie including the world’s first carbon neutral bra.