Global experts at Colombo textile conference

A mega international gathering of textile and apparel industry officials in Colombo in March will involve the participation of over 200 participants from many parts of the world. The 85th World Textile Institute Conference is expected to be the flagship event for 2007 in the Sri Lankan MICE calendar and will draw a prestigious group of professionals, academics, industrialists, and researchers from the textile industry.

In a press release from the organizers, Prof. Lakdas D Fernando Chairman Organizing Committee of the conference says the enthusiasm and the support shown from many parts of the world has been overwhelming and has gone far beyond the expectations of the conference organizers. Nearly 200 technical papers from over 25 countries have been received so far for presentation at the conference.

“Two Sri Lankan industry champions who are also well known global players will make presentations in the plenary sessions which will be further strengthened by some eminent world figures expected to attend the conference as guests of honour and make keynote presentations,” Prof. Fernando said.

Krishan Hundal, Head of General Merchandise Technology of Marks & Spence, UK will be speaking on Sustainable Retailing while Ashroff Omar, Chief Executive Officer of Brandix Lanka Ltd will speak on Vertical Integration - A "Flat World" Perspective. Mahesh Amalean, Chairman of MAS Holdings Ltd. has been assigned the topic – “Market Access and Technology Transfer through Strategic Partnership.”
The conference itself has been a portal for presentation of scientific discoveries and inventions in new textiles.

At the 84th Textile Institute World Conference held in North Carolina, USA, a breakthrough by Eugene Smit, a PhD student in Polymer Science at the Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science of Stellenbosch University, was presented which pointed to the likelihood that nanotechnology will provide people with multifunctional clothes that keep them warm while also acting as a warning system against air or water pollution. The days of wearing clothes that only provide protection against the elements seem to be numbered - thanks to nanotechnology that is.

“This year too the conference hopes to surprise participants with papers presented on new products and innovations in the industry. There is also talk of Marks and Spencer using this conference as a platform to launch a new concept of trading and manufacturing in the world. Marks & Spencer is also the principal sponsor of the 85th Textile Institute World Conference,” the press release said.