Apparel Sustainability Initiatives

The ITSB programme has been officially launched in Sri Lanka to drive improved ESG reporting and sustainability practices across its apparel sector. Backed by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) South Asia, along with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), Sustainable Development Council (SDC), and Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the initiative is supported by Sweden’s SIDA to bring world-class transparency and compliance to one of the country’s most vital export industries.

Targeting both SMEs and large firms, the ITSB (Improving Transparency for Sustainable Business) programme aims to train apparel companies on GRI Standards to enhance reporting on climate impact, labour practices, economic contributions, and waste. With apparel contributing over 40% of Sri Lanka’s exports and employing 350,000 people, the programme is a strategic move to meet global expectations, particularly in light of upcoming EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) rules. The first session was held on July 16, 2025, in Colombo, with plans to extend the initiative to India and Bangladesh later this year.