19th September 2023, Colombo
Last week the Netherlands embassy in collaboration with Better Work Sri Lanka Programme, a joint
initiative between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Finance
Corporation (IFC), concluded their series on responsible business conduct (RBC) focusing on the
apparel sector.
This third session focused on the apparel sector and the importance of dialogue, bringing together a
range of industry experts. The event, supported by the Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka
(JAAF) saw the participation of high-level representatives who discussed and shared their experience
of RBC in practice and the importance of social dialogue.
Social dialogue is critical to the apparel sector in Sri Lanka as it enables all stakeholders to come
together and discuss matters related to the industry i.e., safety standards, working conditions,
environment and labour standards. It can help to ensure that worker welfare is improved, and their rights are protected which in turn promotes stability, enhances productivity, and ensures that the
industry operates in a sustainable and socially responsible manner.
Giving the opening remarks at the event the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Sri
Lanka and Maldives, H.E. Bonnie Horbach stated “Doing business responsibly whether at home or
abroad, is something the Netherlands government finds extremely important. What drives this
agenda is the sincere wish to do better and acting responsibly. The era of ‘take-make-dispose’ and
‘exponential growth without consequences’ has to be replaced. It’s time for a new era with a greater
focus on quality and sustainability. We need to move towards understanding what the impact of a
business is, throughout the entire supply chain – both environmental point as well as from a social
one.”
Highlighting the importance of social dialogue, Mr. Indika Gamage – Group Manager Human
Resources Development, Jay Jay Mills Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, spoke on his experience in promoting RBC
within the apparel sector in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the event on the Government of Sri Lanka’s role in embracing RBC, Ms. Thilaka
Jayasundara, Secretary, Ministry of Industries stated that “The Ministry of Industries is focusing on
obtaining the International Accreditation Certification and is working with 21 sectors to encourage
them to adhere to international standards, whilst also supporting them to obtain certifications.
Additionally, since the apparel industry contributes a significant percentage to the export income of
Sri Lanka compared to other sectors, we find that adapting to European regulations within this sector
is especially important.”
Noting the importance of RBC for the future of Sri Lanka’s trade with the European Union, Mr. Lars Bredal, Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives mentioned,
“There are new legislations being drafted making it mandatory for European companies to certify
that any product received has not in any way contributed to climate change or had a reverse impact
on human rights. Sri Lanka has in many ways been ahead of the curve for issues such as child labour,
yet Sri Lanka has room to improve in other areas, such as equal pay. It would be best to address
these issues before the new legislation enters into force and by doing so secure better access to
the European market”
The panel discussion also consisted of sector experts including Mr. Yohan Lawrence – Secretary
General of the Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka (JAAF); Ms. Mathavakala Mathavan –
National Project Coordinator, Free Trade Zone & General Services Employees Union; and Ms.
Chamila Thushari – General Secretary, Dabindu Collective. The discussion was moderated by Mr.
Kesava Murali Kanapathy, Head of Better Work Sri Lanka programme.
The RBC series was facilitated by the Citra Social Innovation Lab of the United Nations Development
Programme as a part of their wider service offerings to development partners.
During the first RBC event in November 2022 the Embassy launched the Addendum on Responsible
Business Conduct Handbook on Doing Business in Sri Lanka. The second event that took place in
February this year focused on supporting SMEs understand the due diligence process and
opportunities in adopting RBC as a business case.
For more information, please contact [email protected].
