In order to support the garment industry training in the northern provinces of Sri Lanka, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) donated textile machinery and equipment worth US$20,000, mainly including JUKI brand sewing machines and industrial cutting machines. With the support of KOICA, Sri Lanka’s garment industry training work has been extended to the northern provinces for the first time.
A new branch of the Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel (SLITA) has now opened in Mannar. With support from the country’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the institute will provide training, testing, consulting and technical services to the apparel industry. In 2013, SLITA raised approximately $1.05 million in total funding. Currently, the institute has 185 training programs and 56 professional trainers, 18 of whom have master’s degrees.
