The Fabric & Apparel Accessory Manufacturers Association (FAAMA) has taken a bold step forward in its mission to elevate Sri Lanka's apparel manufacturing sector, reappointing Mr. Husni Salieh of Noyon Lanka (Private) Limited as Chairman for the 2026/27 term while setting its sights on an ambitious US$1 billion local value-addition opportunity. The landmark Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on 25 September 2026 at the prestigious Hilton Colombo, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders to chart a transformative course for the nation's fabric and apparel accessory manufacturing landscape.
Leadership Continuity at the Helm of FAAMA
The reappointment of Mr. Husni Salieh as Chairman signals a strong vote of confidence from the FAAMA membership in his leadership style and strategic vision. Under his guidance during the previous term, FAAMA made significant strides in strengthening industry collaboration, advocating for favorable policy frameworks, and positioning Sri Lankan manufacturers as reliable, high-quality suppliers in the global apparel supply chain. His continued leadership is expected to provide the stability and momentum needed to pursue the association's ambitious growth targets for the coming year.
Mr. Salieh's deep-rooted experience within the industry, particularly through his role at Noyon Lanka (Private) Limited — a prominent name in lace and fabric manufacturing — brings a wealth of practical knowledge to the chairmanship. His understanding of both the operational challenges faced by manufacturers and the broader economic opportunities available to the sector makes him a well-suited leader to drive FAAMA's agenda for 2026/27.
High-Profile Participation Underscores Industry Importance
One of the most noteworthy aspects of the AGM was the virtual participation of Mr. Duminda Hulangamuwa, Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka. His presence at the meeting underscored the government's recognition of FAAMA and the broader apparel accessories manufacturing sector as a critical pillar of Sri Lanka's economic development strategy. The BOI's engagement with FAAMA reflects a growing alignment between industry ambitions and national investment priorities, a partnership that could prove instrumental in unlocking the sector's full potential.
The involvement of the BOI Chairman also signals that manufacturers can expect continued institutional support in areas such as investment facilitation, regulatory streamlining, and export promotion — all of which are essential ingredients for achieving the targeted US$1 billion value-addition milestone.
The US$1 Billion Local Value-Addition Target Explained
Central to FAAMA's agenda for the 2026/27 term is the pursuit of a US$1 billion local value-addition opportunity within Sri Lanka's fabric and apparel accessory manufacturing industry. This target is not merely an aspirational figure — it represents a carefully considered estimate of the untapped potential that exists when Sri Lankan manufacturers move beyond simple assembly operations and invest in higher-value production processes, raw material sourcing, and product innovation.
Currently, a significant portion of the inputs used in Sri Lanka's world-renowned apparel export industry — including fabrics, trims, labels, buttons, zippers, and other accessories — are sourced from overseas, primarily from countries such as China, India, and Bangladesh. By developing robust local manufacturing capabilities for these components, Sri Lanka stands to capture a substantial share of this value domestically, reducing import dependency, creating higher-skilled employment, and improving the overall competitiveness of its garment export sector.
Achieving this target will require coordinated action across multiple fronts, including increased investment in modern manufacturing technology, skills development programs for the local workforce, stronger linkages between fabric and accessory manufacturers and garment exporters, and supportive government policies that incentivize local sourcing. FAAMA's new executive committee is expected to prioritize these areas as it rolls out its strategic plan for the year ahead.
Sri Lanka's Apparel Sector: A Foundation for Growth
Sri Lanka's apparel industry has long been one of the country's most important export earners, contributing billions of dollars annually to the national economy and employing hundreds of thousands of workers, particularly women. The sector has built a strong international reputation for quality, ethical manufacturing practices, and reliability — attributes that have attracted some of the world's leading fashion brands to source from Sri Lankan factories.
However, the industry's growth potential has been somewhat constrained by its heavy reliance on imported inputs. By strengthening the local fabric and accessory manufacturing ecosystem, Sri Lanka can enhance the value it captures from each garment exported, making the industry more resilient, profitable, and sustainable in the long term.
A Defining Year Ahead for FAAMA
With a newly energized executive committee in place, strong government engagement, and a clear billion-dollar target to pursue, FAAMA enters the 2026/27 term with significant purpose and momentum. The association's ability to rally its membership, engage effectively with policymakers, and drive tangible investment into local value-addition will be closely watched by industry observers and economic planners alike. If successful, FAAMA's efforts could mark a defining chapter in the evolution of Sri Lanka's manufacturing economy.