Fashion Landscape of Sri Lanka

A Discussion with Niroshani Leanage, Managing Director, international Academy of Fashion (Pvt) Ltd, MOD’ART International, Paris - Srilanka branch

How did Sri Lanka’s fashion industry originate, and what were the early challenges it faced?

Sri Lanka’s fashion industry began modestly about 25 years ago, during a time when local

passion and competition in fashion were minimal. The roots of the industry trace back

further to the mid-20th century, building upon a strong textile manufacturing base that was

primarily developed to serve local demand under protective policies introduced in the

1950s and 1960s. Early textile mills produced good quality raw materials domestically, and

this foundation supported the apparel sector’s emergence. Despite this groundwork, formal

fashion education was nonexistent; designers were mainly self-taught or learned through

informal workshops often conducted by foreign experts, particularly from India. The

challenge was not just about materials but also mindset̶fashion design was scarcely

recognized as a professional career. Instead, it was confused with modelling or tailoring.

Overcoming these barriers required both educating the public and establishing formal

institutions to nurture talent systematically.

How has the perception of fashion as a career evolved in Sri Lanka from the late 1990s to today?

The late 1990s and early 2000s marked a turning point as structured fashion design

education was introduced, slowly gaining momentum across Sri Lanka. Fashion was

repositioned as a discipline uniquely blending art and science, with curriculums covering

fundamental topics such as colour theory, textile properties, design techniques, and

marketing strategies. Early efforts focused heavily on changing perceptions̶distinguishing

fashion design from modelling and tailoring, which had been the prevailing career

assumption. This shift was essential to attract students willing to undertake diploma and

degree programs dedicated to fashion design. The education system also started to

emphasize entrepreneurship and business acumen alongside creative skills, preparing

students for an industry beyond craftsmanship. This transformation significantly contributed

to the fashion sector's legitimacy and helped cultivate a new generation committed to

fashion as a sustainable career.

In what ways has international exposure, including collaborations and fashion events, shaped Sri Lanka’s fashion industry?

Gaining international exposure became a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s fashion advancement

through strategic participation in global fashion events and collaborations with foreigndesign institutions. By sending students and graduates to international fashion spectacles, Sri Lanka was able to showcase its cultural richness and craftsmanship, particularly highlighting traditional crafts like batik. These international platforms not only elevated Sri Lanka’s global reputation but also facilitated exchange programs where local designers could collaborate with and learn from established overseas counterparts. This merge of global and local talent provided Sri Lankan designers insights into industrial production scale, factory capabilities, and market trends abroad, thus strengthening industry links. The involvement of diplomatic channels and embassies further broadened this exposure, generating valuable opportunities for partnerships that extended to the commercial and creative dimensions of fashion globally.

What role is technology, particularly AI, playing in transforming fashion design, production, and marketing in Sri Lanka?

Technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), is dramatically reshaping the fashion

industry’s landscape in Sri Lanka and worldwide. AI applications have reduced research

and production timelines, enabling quicker and more cost-effective fashion illustrations and

virtual photo shoots that circumvent traditional, expensive methods involving models,

makeup artists, and studio time. This technological shift allows designers to concentrate

more on creativity while AI handles routine tasks like trend analysis and rendering designs

digitally. However, experts caution against over-reliance on AI shortcuts, emphasizing that

originality and genuine creativity remain vital for longevity and distinction in fashion. AI

tools can replicate designs swiftly, but truly unique and innovative creations come from

human imagination and artistic risk-taking, which technology alone cannot replace. Thus,

the future of fashion depends on a harmonious blend of technology’s efficiencies with

human creativity.

What opportunities and challenges exist for local brands and entrepreneurs aiming to compete on the global stage?

While Sri Lanka’s manufacturing infrastructure is technologically sophisticated - producing

advanced textiles and performance fabrics - the full realization of local brand potential

remains limited. Most production is export-focused under multinational contracts, and few

domestic brands have emerged as global players. Industry veterans urge local designers to embrace entrepreneurship, leverage existing factory capabilities for advanced material

innovation, and foster collaborations domestically and internationally. Challenges include

navigating export quotas, coping with intense global competition from low-cost producers

like China and Bangladesh, and overcoming market access hurdles. Nevertheless, there are encouraging signs with growing interest in inclusive, performance, and gender-neutral

clothing, illustrating the industry’s readiness to innovate and diversify. With strategic vision,

Sri Lankan brands can reduce dependency on bulk manufacturing orders and createdistinctive, niche products that resonate globally, strengthening economic and cultural impact.

How does Sri Lanka’s multicultural heritage influence its fashion industry, and how are designers balancing tradition with modern trends?

Sri Lanka’s rich multicultural heritage poses both diversity and opportunity for the fashion

industry. Designers intentionally study consumer behaviour across different ethnic and

cultural segments to produce collections that respect traditional values while embracing

modern trends. Rather than restricting creativity, this multifaceted cultural landscape

enriches design perspectives, allowing the creation of versatile garments suitable for casual, ceremonial, or global markets. Fashion in Sri Lanka is not a barrier to cultural identity; instead, it acts as a bridge that blends local aesthetics with global sensibilities. Designers must strike a balance by catering to core market needs while innovating to maintain relevance and appeal. This dynamic fosters continuous evolution where traditional textiles and craftsmanship are revitalized through contemporary design philosophies.

What are the emerging trends in sustainable fashion within Sri Lanka, and how is the industry adopting environmentally friendly practices?

Sustainability has become an integral consideration within Sri Lanka’s fashion industry,

aligned with global environmental consciousness. The country is part of a growing

movement encouraging longer-lasting garments as an alternative to disposable fast fashion,

thereby addressing pollution and waste associated with textile production and disposal.

Regulatory innovations abroad, such as taxes on fast fashion promotions in fashion capitals

like France, inspire Sri Lanka to develop stricter environmental standards and promote

sustainable practices. Local designers and manufacturers are increasingly aware of the need to embrace sustainable materials, eco-friendly production techniques, and recycling

challenges. This trend not only aligns with global market demands but also positions Sri

Lanka as a responsible fashion hub capable of providing environmentally conscious

alternatives while preserving the authenticity of its craft traditions.

What advice would experienced designers give to the new generation of Sri Lankan fashion designers to succeed locally and globally?

Recognition through international awards highlights Sri Lankan designers’ contributions to

global fashion culture and strengthens cross-national ties. The fundamental advice for

aspiring designers emphasizes originality - avoiding mere imitation - and embracing

creativity as the core of innovation. While following trends for inspiration is natural, the key

is to interpret influences uniquely to carve out an authentic niche. The upcoming generation

benefits from unprecedented access to technology and information, enabling them to pushboundaries in design and marketing. The fashion industry’s future in Sri Lanka is optimistic, with expanding education in entrepreneurship, strategic market research, and leveraging the country’s growing tourism to position Sri Lanka as a sought-after fashion destination. Sustained growth requires creativity, sound business strategy, international collaboration, and commitment to sustainability, paving the way for Sri Lanka’s fashion prominence in the global arena over the next decade and beyond.