Omega Line Ltd. Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Felix A. Fernando was recently appointed as the Chairperson of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) at its 22nd Annual General Meeting, according to the body.
Felix Fernando succeeds Saifuddin Jaferjee, who concluded his tenure following a year shaped by significant global and domestic challenges, including evolving trade dynamics, regulatory pressures, and climate-related disruptions.
Reflecting on his tenure, the outgoing Chairperson said: “This industry has once again demonstrated resilience in the face of uncertainty. I am confident that the incoming leadership will continue to advocate strongly for competitiveness, market access, and long-term sustainability, while keeping the collective interests of Sri Lankan apparel at the forefront.”
Accepting the role, JAAF Chairperson Felix A. Fernando, thanked the membership for its confidence and outlined his priorities for the period ahead.
“It is a privilege to be entrusted with this responsibility at such an important juncture for both the industry and the country. Leadership in an industry body is ultimately about service, relevance, and delivering outcomes that strengthen our national export base,” he said.
Emphasising the need for continued evolution, Fernando added: “Sri Lanka’s apparel sector must remain globally competitive, agile, and outward-looking. JAAF will continue to work closely with policymakers and stakeholders to improve the ease of doing business, advance sustainability, and secure long-term growth for the industry.”
As the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Omega Line Ltd., Fernando brings over 35 years of manufacturing experience, including nearly three decades in Sri Lanka’s apparel industry.
The JAAF Executive Committee for 2026 will be chaired by Felix Fernando, with Aroon Hirdaramani and Hemantha Perera serving as Vice Chairpersons. The committee also includes past Chairpersons Saif Jaferjee, Sharad Amalean, A. Sukumaran, Noel Priyathilake, Azeem Ismail, and Ashroff Omar, providing continuity and institutional experience.