Situation favourable for apparel industry

Harshini Perera

[Profile]

*Name: Kumar Dewapura

*School attended: Thurstan College

*Civil status: Married, has two children

* Experience: 30 years experience in the Apparel industry

* Professional qualification: Textiles technology in Henden

* Sports: Cricket, rugger and Cadeting

The political stability in the country will enable the apparel industry with much needed manpower in Sri Lanka.

This has been a long felt challenge by many industrialists involved in apparel industry especially if they were operational in the Northern and Eastern areas, Tristar Apparel Exports Chairman Kumar Dewapura said. Excerpts of the interview:

Q: How hopeful are you for an industry growth in the future?

A: We had to face many challenges in the industry due to the political instability and since those challenges have been won by the Government, we are in a strong position.

This is the best time for industrialists to work together for one goal forgetting party politics. The situation will be favourable for the Sri Lankan apparel industry in future.

Q: What are the new technologies you will be adopting to be operational in the apparel sector?

A: The apparel industry today needs highly advanced technologies. The process of the apparel industry includes computerised cutting machines to the multi-functional machines. The industrialists need finances to invest on the industry for its development.

The Government should support industrialists in the industry now. A new plant can create 1,000 job opportunities in any part of the country.

Q: What are the worker standards maintained by Tristar Apparels?

A: Tristar adheres to the highest level of worker standards and due to that our products are recognised by international buyers such as Marks and Spencer, Debenhams and Azda. We have gained their confidence as we maintain high ethical levels.

We have a system to share monthly profits with our employees while various remuneration packages including attendance bonus, meal allowances, death donation, medicine and recreation facilities are shared with the employees.

Q: Can Sri Lanka promote itself as a hub for the apparel industry?

A: Sri Lanka is not advanced to promote itself as a hub for apparels. Sri Lanka does not have proper standards as the latest technology is not coming from abroad.

On the other hand Sri Lanka is best known for the needle work and the stitching quality in the apparel. We have an incomparable educated labour force with other regional countries. The productivity and the efficiency of the employees can be improved, as they are capable of understanding the instructions given to them because of their high educational standard.

Q: How can the industry contribute to the increase of individual income of the country?

A: When the employees are productive and efficient, industrialists can double the employees’ salary. Our employees should work towards aiming the productivity of Bangladesh. That is the bottleneck we are facing at the moment.

Q: How can Sri Lanka move forward with challenges such as GSP+ concession?

A: I think it depends on how we handle the buyers. We need to build up confidence with them and compromise on our side. The Government and industrialists should work together to get GSP+ concession.

Q: What are the options left for Sri Lanka if GSP+ concession is not given?

A: The apparel industry in Sri Lanka should increase productivity and efficiency while improving the quality of the final product.

The Government should support industrialists with funds for machinery and to face the duty in importing and exporting.

We can face the GSP+ challenge comfortably with the long term financial facilities given to the industrialists.

It is also important to upgrade technology necessary for apparel industry.

Q: Can Sri Lanka promote footwear and leather products as it was doing with apparels?

A: I think the footwear and leather products industry can improve in Sri Lanka if the Government gives necessary financial support.

Q: Can you expect a growth in the industry?

A: We need to get the Government’s financial support to grow further.

The entire industry can expect a 10 percent growth in the future.

Q: Do you expect Government incentives or benefits for the industry?

A: The Government must support apparel industrialists. We enjoy certain facilities such as duty concessions now.

Investments for machinery will be a definite support from the Government and it will sustain the industry.

The infrastructure facilities such as electricity and water are also necessary for the industry’s growth.

Q: What are the benefits Sri Lanka enjoy at present after the quota system was lifted?

A: The trade has been excellent after the lift of quota to USA.

Since then many mushroom factories were closed and only those who could survive were well-established industrialists.

Sri Lanka is lucky in that sense to manufacture apparel without quota to America.

We even got an order of hundred million pieces due to the lift of the quota system.

Q: What is your advice for young people who are eager to climb the corporate ladder?

A: They should select the subject they know and study it thoroughly.

If one is intended to start a business one has to do a market research initially and should never borrow money from banks.

They should start their businesses on their own with having partnerships but should not take loans. If one start business by borrowing money from banks she should be a beggar forever.

Q: What do you do in your leisure?

A: I visit the factory during my leisure and it gives me immense satisfaction.

Q: What is the country you like to visit?

A: United Kingdom

Q: What is the place you like to visit in Sri Lanka?

A: I like to visit the countryside to enjoy the natural beauty.