Fate of thousands of garment workers
View(s):The lives of thousands of workers generating millions of dollars to Sri Lanka is hanging in the balance as apparel buyers both large and small are concerned about the future economic and political climate as they draw mitigation plans to overcome future challenges.
Buyers, speaking with the Business Times, said on Thursday that they are currently watching the evolving situation in the country with concerns of how they can overcome future challenges and are worried that if they pull out it would directly impact the 350,00 workforce.
Workers and wages are a concern among some UK buyers who pointed out that following a meeting with the Joint Apparel Association Forum they were asked to “keep on giving orders” as that is the best help they can show Sri Lanka today. In this respect, buyers have been asked not to cease any operations in Sri Lanka.
Orders placed have not been cancelled by any buyers but it is learnt that the next season for the spring and summer orders are scheduled to take place around September.
“Everybody is concerned about the situation in Sri Lanka but positive because helping Sri Lanka” would mean to continue sending orders, a leading online retailer stated.
Retailers however will continue to keep a watch on the progress of the current economic situation in Sri Lanka, which is right now positive, he stated.
Carmel Clothing in Sri Lanka Country Head Nilukshi Gunawardena said, “We are giving all orders on time for now so at the moment there is no problem but they are foreseeing the problems that will come up in Sri Lanka.”
Nervousness set in since February this year with the growing concerns of foreign exchange issue, as a result she noted that buyers are trying to move to Bangladesh and Vietnam. In fact, she pointed out that her company had already commenced an operation in Bangladesh recently.
Moreover, she said, “we have not got any good bookings” for the next season since buyers have a doubt regarding delays in orders.
If they pull out, the medium scale factories it will adversely affect approximately 300 workers in each of the eight factories that supply them.
Another leading buyer pointed out that though they have no immediate plans to move business out of Sri Lanka, they are working on “mitigation plans” in case the crisis in the country worsens.
Though they found some positive vibes in a new Prime Minister, however his statements have caused quite a stir as it brought to the fore the actual situation in the country. But the more compelling question among buyers has been the concern that they need to know the reassurance that the government can endorse for the industries.
As a buyer for about 45 organisations they affirmed they will continue to provide business due to the long-standing business relationships they maintain with their suppliers in Colombo.
However, the buyer pointed out as they do not know what to expect next, “the unknown is what is scary.”
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