There has been an increase in productivity of apparel factories in Sri Lankan Free Trade Zones, and this has led to a rise in exports, despite the closure of several factories, according to the Free Trade Zones and General Services Employees Union (FTZGSEU).
The performance of the Sri Lankan apparel sector is improving after remaining stagnant for few years, said a study on garment sector wage trends presented at a forum on investment development and workers’ rights.
The report, prepared by FTZGSEU, said the Sri Lankan clothing sector was stagnant from 2006-10, but apparel exports have improved during the past few years.
This was despite the reduction in number of factories from 500 in 2015 to 314 at the beginning of 2013.
The increase in productivity has led to an increase in exports, despite the closure of some factories, FTZGSE said.
The report attributes the rise in productivity to multi-tasking by workers, who perform several operations today, compared to only one operation some years ago.