Responding to an urgent need in the apparel export industry, the University of Moratuwa Department of Textile & Clothing Technology commenced a four year full-time Bachelor of Design Degree in Fashion Design & Product Development in 2001.

Since then a new degree programme was established within the University system which provided opportunities to 40 students each year to embark on a professional career in creative industries involving Fashion Design & Product Development. The students come from different parts of the country and take advantage of the Fashion Design Education.

The culmination of the four years is a Gala Fashion Show which showcases the best 20 collections that portray a range of six outfits designed, created and manufactured by the students, displayed on the catwalk by professional models at the Fashion Show. The collection of garments is based on a well researched theme to suit the customer at the right market level and season.

The University of Moratuwa was partnered by the London College of Fashion of the University of the Arts in providing consultancy assistance for the programme. The London College of Fashion is one of the world's most renowned Institutions for Fashion Design education and the University of Moratuwa, its staff and students and the apparel industry have benefited from their presence in Sri Lanka.

The Consultancy which commenced in 2002 has been supported until now by the government of Sri Lanka through the Ministry of Industrial Development and the Ministry of Textile Industry Development.
The first Graduation Fashion Show was held in 2005 and every year thereafter, it has been held with the glamour and style expected in any International show of this kind. The Students' Collections are judged on the catwalk by an eminent panel of judges. In the previous years the prizes have been exposure visits to Victoria's Secret, New York, Marks & Spencers, London and accompanied visits to tradeshows. The graduates hugely benefit from this exposure by having an opportunity to broaden their outlook in the Fashion world.

This year our panel would consist of Otara Gunewardene, Tony Glenville, Creative Director School of Media and Communication London College of Fashion University of the Arts, London, Dilys Williams, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Fashion, University of the Arts, London and Priya Kishore, Founder and Managing Director, Bombay Electric.

This year the Fashion Show takes place on November 30 2009 at the Mount Lavinia Hotel. The Design and Development work of our students will be exhibited at the British Council Hall from December 3 to 6 which is open to the public from10.00 am to 6.00 pm.