Sri Lankan apparel industry is responsible, innovative and agile

  • Rajiv Malalasekera from Brandix culls industry prospects

As a globally renowned hub for quality and innovative apparel, Sri Lanka is buttoning up capacity with fully vertically integrated solutions to take on the evolving trends in retail fashion and enabling quick replenishment. A preferred manufacturing base for some of the world’s iconic fashion brands, Sri Lanka’s penchant for cutting-edge apparel solutions coupled with ethical and sustainable manufacturing has for long placed the island nation ahead of regional competition.

Brandix Apparel Ltd. Director/CEO Rajiv Malalasekera believes Sri Lanka’s commitment to innovation, agility, quality, sustainable and ethical manufacturing has been unparalleled. “Our customer-focused approach and solutions-driven mindset, especially in product development, has been a game-changer for us,” says Malalasekera, discussing an industry that has become a cornerstone of the island’s economy. “We have always taken the lead and a proactive approach in these spheres, and with digitally automated solutions playing an increased role within our entire value chain and capacity related efficiency enhancements that have followed make Sri Lanka a sought-after manufacturing base in the Asia-Pacific region.” Sri Lanka anticipates earning close to $ 5 billion in apparel exports this year.

Centre for global excellence in product design and development

“New product design and innovation are key strengths, and as a group Brandix has integrated its local research and development arm to its global network across Europe, US and Asia to drive greater synergies and value. Our ambition is to transform Sri Lanka from its inherent strengths in quality and reliable supply to a centre for global excellence in product design and development,” said Malalasekera, underscoring the strategic direction of the local industry with talent that have gained critical exposure by working directly with global brands.

Besides achieving many accolades as a global leader in quality apparel production, in 2019 the Brandix facility in Batticaloa was accredited as the world’s first-ever Net-Zero Carbon manufacturing plant, whilst seven more plants in Sri Lanka have since been certified Net-Zero carbon. With many manufacturers on the island employing the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which includes worker welfare and responsible sourcing, Sri Lanka has underscored its commitment and awareness of international best practices.

“Naturally, this level of commitment to quality and responsibility brings added pressures. But as Brandix and as an industry, Sri Lanka’s apparel sector can hold its head high we have gone beyond convention to ensure ethical manufacturing at all levels. This standard is embedded into all aspects of our value chain. We don’t simply claim to be sustainable, we do it rigorously,” Malalasekera avers.

Focus on vertical integration from yarn to fabric

Brandix is synonymous with excellence in Sri Lanka’s apparel manufacturing sector, and a key differentiator at Brandix is its focus on vertical integration from yarn to fabric. “This integration has significantly reduced lead times and ensured the availability of raw materials on the island, which is crucial for the industry overall that is generally sensitive to carrying inventory in excess of optimal demand,” Malalasekera explained.

The company’s commitment to producing high-quality, trending, and functionally superior products has attracted major global brands like Victoria’s Secret, Uniqlo, and Calvin Klein. “Quality is not just a department or a process; it’s a mindset that permeates every level of our organisation,” Malalasekera stressed. Brandix has adapted to the evolving global apparel and fashion industry needs, focusing on speed to market and product enhancements. “We are tuned to growing consumer demands for sustainable and body-positive products, incorporating recycled, flexible materials and biodegradable solutions into our offerings,” Malalasekera highlighted.

Over the past two decades, Brandix has expanded its global footprint with manufacturing operations in India, Bangladesh, Haiti, and Cambodia, employing over 50,000 people worldwide. “These investments in capacities overseas have diversified our risk and enhanced our ability to offer agile solutions to brands, supporting inventory management, duty-free access, and earnings optimisation,” said Malalasekera. Touching on the arena of rapidly evolving digital solutions, he also explained the adoption of technology to enhance productivity and operations that has also elevated the attractiveness of working in the industry squashing age-old stigmas.

“In Sri Lanka, you see a more sophisticated industry thriving at the top of its game. We have carved a niche for agile, quality, specialised solutions that has changed the face of fashion the world over. Above all, we are a responsible partner to the global community and trade, and that’s what sets us apart from the rest. The competition in region will catch up to us, but our penchant for innovation and being agile in many aspects to circumnavigate disruption happening in fashion retailing can keep Sri Lanka ahead,” Malalasekera added.

Brandix named ‘Great Place to Work for Women’

Sri Lanka’s apparel solutions provider Brandix was recognized as one of Sri Lanka’s Most Outstanding Women-Friendly Workplaces at the Satyn Magazine Women Friendly Workplace Awards (WFWA) 2024.

Initiated by CIMA Asia, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and Satyn Magazine, the accolade recognizes and celebrates organizations committed to gender equality and women empowerment.

Senior General Manager Human Resources at Brandix, Dinusha Jayamanne said, Brandix is ‘constantly exploring new avenues to create a more inclusive and enriching environment for its female workforce, and the company stands proud of the pioneering initiatives it launched in this sphere.’ The latest award is a testament to the impact of these measures implemented across Brandix facilities in Sri Lanka and the world.

 

 

Brandix partners GLO program for unique learning and development experience

Brandix rounded out its commitment for the Guiding Leadership and Outreach (GLO) program this year, empowering up to 50 individuals across its value chain. GLO is conducted in partnership with the Association for HR Professionals in Sri Lanka and AIESEC, involving Brandix, Fortude, SyscoLabs, John Keells Holdings and IFS.

Under Phase 1 of the GLO program, five employees from each company benefitted from a unique Train-the-Trainers program, with sessions hosted by Global Learning Lab. With Phase 2, the GLO program saw each company engaging students from universities across Sri Lanka to design and deliver a two-day GLO leadership academy. Brandix engaged 22 students who were tasked with developing sustainable impact projects, with one chosen to be funded and implemented.

Accordingly, a professional skill upliftment workshop in Batticaloa was conducted at the American iHub Batticaloa as the chosen project, with 18 students from the region to enhance knowledge on job application and preparation, selection processes, CV development, behavioural skills and more. The program was facilitated voluntarily by students who graduated the GLO program conducted by Brandix.

“The GLO program offered innovative insights and learning experiences to our employees, alongside the opportunity to engage with the wider community. This is a unique program that encompasses a cross-section of stakeholders, and Brandix is pleased to both gain and impart value alongside our partners,” averred Brandix Chief People Officer Sahad Mukthar.

Microsoft Sri Lanka Brings AI-powered Productivity to Brandix with Copilot for Microsoft 365

One of Sri Lanka’s premier apparel solutions provider, Brandix Apparel Private Limited, has taken the pioneering step to adopt Copilot for Microsoft 365, a powerful generative AI service that combines the power of large language models (LLMs) with organizational data from Microsoft 365. By integrating generative AI capabilities, Brandix aims to optimize operational excellence, revolutionize its workflows, alleviate the burden of email tracking, and amplify efficiency without compromising the well-being of its workforce.

Microsoft’s recent launch of Copilot for Microsoft 365, an AI-powered companion that seamlessly integrates AI capabilities into a unified experience, marks a breakthrough in human-technology interaction where privacy and security remain at the forefront. By being among the first organizations in Sri Lanka to participate in the Early Access Program, Brandix looks forward to Copilot transforming the way their workforce seamlessly works and collaborates with AI.

Speaking on the adoption group CEO of Brandix Apparel Private Limited, Ashroff Omar stated, “Microsoft’s Copilot has revolutionized how Brandix works—transforming data into decisions, ideas into innovation, and challenges into opportunities. Copilot is not just a tool; it’s our future made more exciting! The key to harnessing the full potential of Copilot lies in our ability to intelligently leverage this AI tool, ensuring it aligns with our goals and enhances our decision-making processes.”

Brandix shared that it has been truly remarkable to witness the enthusiasm with which the teams have embraced Copilot. The excitement and readiness displayed have been unprecedented. In an industry where fast responses are crucial to prioritize customer excellence within the operational pillars, Copilot offers the potential for increased responsiveness. At Brandix, where the ethos is to inspire their workforce, even in the early stages of implementation, Copilot has empowered employees in day-to-day operations freeing up time that can now be leveraged to focus on creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

As the use of generative AI at work spreads, the real opportunity is to not only transform personal productivity but uplift the capability of the entire organization. Copilot would set a new baseline, one that encourages employees to think like a manager, as tapping into Copilot’s full potential requires the ability to delegate, exercise good judgement, and apply subject matter expertise. Thus, with Copilot, employees will be able to manage their new assistant and know when to delegate a task to AI and when to apply their own unique human intelligence.

Harsha Randeny, country manager for Microsoft Sri Lanka and Maldives, commented, “We are pleased to see Brandix embark on their transformative AI journey through the strategic implementation of Copilot. The move aligns with the broader digital transformation journey the country is undertaking, making it a commendable first step by one of Sri Lanka’s leading apparel organizations. Brandix’s adoption of Copilot marks a leap towards operational excellence and innovation in the apparel industry, paving the way for new standards of excellence. With Copilot, Microsoft looks forward to reconnecting our customers with the purpose and meaning of their work in a secure, compliant, and privacy-preserving way.”

As Brandix advances on its journey with Copilot, the collaboration between humans and AI emerges as a catalyst for creativity, efficiency, and a renewed sense of purpose. This embodies the spirit of progress in the continually evolving landscape of the apparel industry.

About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

Brandix’s commitment to Nurturing Our Planet wins Platinum at CIOB Green Awards 2023

In recognition of exceptional leadership towards sustainability in the Sri Lankan construction industry, Brandix received Platinum honours under the Leadership towards Sustainability Award at the CIOB Green Awards 2023 held recently.

The Ceylon Institute of Builders (CIOB) is the premier professional organization of building and construction professionals in Sri Lanka. The CIOB Green Awards 2023 are presented to honour individuals, organizations, and products/systems that have demonstrated outstanding innovation in advancing sustainability. The winners were recognised for their ability to embrace sustainable methodology and making significant contributions to environmental preservation, social responsibility, and economic resilience.

Brandix’s win is a resounding affirmation of the Group’s leadership and unrelenting excellence in advancing sustainable practices into the very fabric of their business. The award also acknowledges Brandix’s outstanding accomplishments in green building initiatives and distinguished status in its sustainable corporate program.

Brandix has the largest green building square footage in Sri Lanka, totalling 519,042. This achievement sets a remarkable industry standard for environmentally conscious construction. The company boasts a total of five (05) certified Green Buildings, including two (02) LEED Platinum, two (02) LEED Gold, and one (01) GreenMark Platinum in Sri Lanka, highlighting its commitment to sustainable practices. The Company is also the first apparel manufacturer in the world to achieve Net Zero Carbon status, with six of its facilities now certified Net Zero Carbon.

Natasha Boralessa, the Group Director of ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) said, Nurturing Our Planet is at the heart of our strategy. With a steadfast commitment to driving innovation and promoting green buildings, we are constantly breaking new ground. Achieving this prestigious honour serves as an inspiration and acknowledgement of the longstanding efforts Brandix has made in building sustainable spaces. We aim to continue to lead the way for the industry contributing to a greener and better future for all

The winners were assessed and selected through, a transparent, and impartial panel of expert judges against predefined criteria tailored to the Sri Lankan construction industry.

Image – Vinura Jayewardene, Group Sustainability Engineer, Brandix and Jarook Mohamed, Deputy General Manager, Environmental Engineering, Brandix receiving the Platinum Award for Leadership towards Sustainability Award at the CIOB Green Awards 2023.

Brandix: a shining star for women’s empowerment

August 2023, Colombo: In a triumphant display of organisation leadership, Brandix shone brightly at the 2023 Women-Friendly Workplace Awards, securing the Most Outstanding Women-Friendly Workplace Award alongside nine other Sri Lankan organisations recently. This accolade, presented by the AICPA and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) in collaboration with SATYN Magazine, is a testament to Brandix’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Brandix, Sri Lanka’s leading exporter, is an inspiration for female empowerment, fostering an environment that champions wellness, professional growth, and inclusivity. 77% of Brandix employees in Sri Lanka consists of women, with women constituting 27% of top and critical talent. Furthermore, the company’s leadership programs boast a robust 40% female participation, with a 17% female representation at Board Leadership level.

To ensure equitable opportunities, Brandix has instituted a comprehensive framework for advancement that includes annual training and awareness programs, cultivating highly skilled teams that thrive regardless of gender.

The Women-Friendly Workplace Awards is a singular initiative that gauges the well-being and progress of women in work environments. It aims to catalyze equality and equity that subsequently drives socio-economic development. The awards evaluate women-focused initiatives, including the encouragement of non-traditional roles, social support mechanisms, and anti-harassment policies and action. In these domains, Brandix stood out as an industry leader.

Nilangani De Silva, heading the Brandix Equity, Diversity and Inclusion council said: “At Brandix, we’re committed to cultivating a respectful, safe, and inclusive culture where everyone has a voice. Our approach to diversity and inclusion is firmly embedded in our business strategy and extends to promoting work-life integration. We are deeply honored by this recognition, which serves as a springboard for us to further our commitment to empowering women across Sri Lanka.”

Brandix’s commitment to inclusivity is supported in its comprehensive policies, including an Abuse and Harassment Free Workplace policy and a Speak-Up policy. The company also prioritizes providing supportive environments for women, such as childcare assistance, flexible work arrangements, and pay parity.

The awards programme scrutinized several criteria, including women-friendly policies, representation at all levels, remuneration, training and development, and the commitment to creating women-friendly workplaces. In each of these categories, Brandix demonstrated its resolute commitment to championing women in the workplace, marking significant strides in addressing women-centric issues.

Brandix ‘RightToRead’ initiative gains momentum enriching Sri Lanka students and transforming learning

10,194 schools across the island to be empowered with connectivity to learning platform

Inspired by the challenge to provide Sri Lankan children with better access to learning materials and the transformative power to read and comprehend English, Brandix launched the ‘RightToRead’ project in 2018 in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

Accordingly, Brandix introduced the ‘ReadToMe’ English learning tool, created by English Helper ‘ India, to improve reading and comprehension skills of Sri Lankan students. Last Monday, H.E. Julie Chung, the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, visited Susamayawardhana Vidyalaya in Borella, to observe progress of the project and experience how children and educators in Sri Lanka engage with educational technology.

Brandix Lanka Limited, Director, Ajit Johnpillai, said: “Education is the most powerful tool to enrich communities and futures, and Brandix is committed to build a strong foundation for transformational learning for students across Sri Lanka. The progress we have made with RiteToRead over the past two years is promising, and the potential for change in the education sector harnessing such digital technologies is immeasurable. Brandix will continue its commitment to deliver Inspired Solutions for the people of Sri Lanka.”

Susamayawardhana Vidyalaya was one of the first schools connected with RightToRead, and the visitors toured the smart classroom constructed by Brandix, to support the school’s journey in reaping the benefits of English proficiency.

As technology infrastructure and resources are limited, Brandix will also provide interactive smartboards to 10,194 schools across the country to give students access to the ReadToMe programme. The programme aims to touch the lives of over 4 million students in Sri Lanka. Brandix has already installed smartboards at 1,260 schools across the island, connecting over 790,000 students.

 

Brandix extends collaboration with Global Water Partnership to empower youth engagement

May 2023: Sri Lanka’s premier apparel solutions provider, Brandix Apparel Limited (BAL), signed a partnership agreement with Global Water Partnership (GWP) recently to strengthen joint efforts to advance youth engagement with water and sustainability.

The Memorandum of Understanding signed between the organisations spells out priorities for strategic collaboration, including strengthening youth engagement in water resources management by creating opportunities and knowledge exchange. The agreement also deals with deploying resources to address youth-related collaborative programmes with respect to the 2030 Global Agenda concerning Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.

Water and sanitation remain major issues in South Asia and the burden of managing and addressing these challenges is increasingly falling on the younger generation. Despite governments pledging to achieve SDGs by 2030, the state alone cannot meet these requirements and a multi-sectoral approach through public-private partnerships are increasingly accepted as the best way forward.

Group CEO of Brandix Apparel Limited, Ashroff Omar said: “Since 2007, Brandix has dedicated its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives to providing access to safe drinking water and clean sanitation facilities for those in need, aiming to create significant, positive change for communities. Through this commitment, Brandix has successfully completed nearly 4,600 community water projects, empowering and enhancing the lives of over 300,000 people across the island. We are excited to extend our partnership with GWP, and foster youth involvement in this vital cause, encouraging them to not only benefit from these efforts but also actively drive them forward.”

Kusum Athukorala, Global Water Partnership South Asia (GWP SAS) Regional Chair, expressed appreciation to the support extended towards the network by Brandix on its new youth initiative, Youth and Young Water Professionals’ Platform. “GWP SAS is privileged to have a partner who is well-known for their commitment towards reducing carbon footprint through sustainable solutions. Like GWP, Brandix also understood the urgency of addressing the gaps to ensure clean water and sanitation for all communities in South Asia, and most importantly the role of youth in realizing this goal’.

CEO of GWPO, Elena Trovesi, stated Brandix has set a great example for the corporate sector globally through this partnership, which demonstrates the company is prepared to return what they have taken from the environment through meaningful initiatives. She said: “I hope the MoU we signed would lead to greater collaboration between the parties in the future both at national and regional level on youth-led initiatives to create a meaningful impact on the ground”.

The MoU was signed on the eve of World Water Day 2023 by Ashroff Omar, Group CEO, BAL, Elena Trovesi, (Interim) Executive Secretary and CEO, GWPO and Lal Induruwage, Regional Coordinator, GWP SAS.

 

About GWP
Global Water Partnership is an international network created in 1996 to foster the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management: the coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources by maximising economic and social welfare without compromising the sustainability of ecosystems and the environment. It is a non-profit multi-donor-funded action network with over 3,000 Partner organisations in 179 countries. The network has 69 accredited Country Water Partnerships and 13 Regional Water Partnerships including GWP South Asia.

The Global Water Partnership South Asia is a constituent of the GWP network represented in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka linked to the global network through the respective Country Water Partnerships.

New lease of life for Negombo Hospital Blood bank from Brandix

07th April 2023, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s leading apparel manufacturer, Brandix Apparel Limited, refurbished and handed over the blood bank at the District General Hospital in Negombo. The programme was part of the Group’s ongoing efforts to boost healthcare services around the island, and was managed by Brandix Essentials, Katunayake.

Director of the National Blood Transfusion Service, Dr. Lakshman Edirisinghe, welcomed this initiative by the company and described it as a timely and much-needed intervention for people in the Gampaha district. Brandix is also the single largest corporate donor of blood to the National Blood Transfusion Service of Sri Lanka at present.

“This is a valuable service to the nation from Brandix. The District General Hospital in Negombo is a crucial facility as it serves people from the Gampaha district, which is a centre for economic activity in the country. We had identified this location within the hospital to establish a new blood bank but struggled due to limited resources within the state sector. Brandix came forward and helped set up this facility which is vital to save lives, and this contribution will strengthen healthcare services in this region immensely” Dr. Edirisinghe said.

Previously, blood transfusion, storage and donation activities within the District Hospital were scattered across the facility presenting numerous difficulties. Brandix’s intervention ensures all functions of the Blood Bank are now under one roof with all necessary modern facilities, affording greater convenience and ease to donors, patients and staff at the hospital.

Lalith Bandara, CEO of Brandix Essentials, stated: “The development of the Blood Bank at the Negombo District Hospital comes as part of our commitment to empower communities and enhance healthcare services for all Sri Lankans. Brandix is vested in the Gampaha district, and we will continue to serve the people of the area and transform lives by building a thriving and healthy community.”

Understanding the importance of a sustained and consistent supply of blood to the National Blood Transfusion Service, Brandix has conducted blood donation drives for over 15 years. Today, this solely employee-driven initiative spans the Brandix network across Sri Lanka, in 23 locations engaging more than 35,000 employees who donate blood with the vision of supporting the life of another.

Brandix Manusathkara Thilina 2022 offers hope to over 16,000 students with the gift of school essentials

January 2023, Colombo: Brandix Apparel Ltd., gave hope to 16,824 children of the Brandix family by gifting them school essentials including stationery and schoolbags necessary for the new school year, under its ‘Manusathkara Thilina’ 2022 initiative recently.

Understanding the current need to support our team members, especially during the current crisis of rising stationery costs, the children of 10,933 Brandix Associates were recipients of Brandix’s unstinting efforts to inspire and support education for all. The 2022 programme is being held for the 7th consecutive year where children from pre-school to Grade 13 received stationery packs.

Malika Samaraweera, Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Brandix Apparel noted, “The beginning of the new school year is eagerly anticipated and exciting for all students. However, we realise that our employees, who are the backbone of our enterprise, are facing a daunting challenge to provide their children these essential items. We firmly believe in taking care of our communities and this year’s Manusathkara Thilina programme ensures these children have the tools and opportunity to learn and grow.”

Begun in 2016, the Manusathkara School Essentials initiative seeks to drive home the importance of education among the children of Brandix employees. To-date, over 37,000 children have benefitted from the programme. The educational hampers gifted to the children comprise of stationery and other school necessities, enabling their success for the foreseeable future.

With the aim of driving social sustainability, the inspired team at Brandix continues their work towards Equal Opportunity and the Right to Education for All. Recognising that today’s challenges are wide-ranging and incredibly tough for many families, the school essential packs will enrich the lives of the beneficiary children and sustain their school education.

Supporting Sri Lanka’s aspiring youth towards continuity in their education, Brandix has also initiated an annual scholarship scheme under its ‘Manusathkara University Scholarship” programme. Children who are high performers in the Advanced Level Examinations within the Brandix Model Villages are awarded scholarships to pursue their higher education and contribute towards Sri Lanka’s future workforce. The “Model Village” concept was developed by Brandix to support the wellbeing of communities within a 10km radius of the company’s facilities.