Thirteen Sri Lankan apparel companies recently signed a voluntary pledge to advance disability inclusion in the workplace, under the ‘Inclusive Threads of Better Work Sri Lanka’ initiative of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the International Finance Corporation (IFC) – supported by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The thirteen apparel companies signed the voluntary pledge at the ceremony: Brandix Apparel (Pvt) Ltd, Filotex Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Hirdaramani International Exports (Pvt) Ltd, Inqube Global (Pvt) Ltd, Maliban Wovens (Pvt) Ltd, Martex M F G (Pvt) Limited, Miami Clothing (Pvt) Ltd, Original Apparel (Pvt) Ltd, Q Collection (Pvt) Ltd, Sumithra Garments (Pvt) Ltd, Sun Queen Apparel (Pvt) Ltd, Vogue Tex (Pvt) Ltd, and Winterquilts (Pvt) Ltd.
Through the pledge, the signatory companies committed to eight core principles, including promoting the rights of persons with disabilities, preventing discrimination, ensuring reasonable workplace accommodations, and collaborating with government institutions and industry partners to advance inclusive employment.
Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) Secretary General Yohan Lawrence, addressing the gathering, said the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the apparel sector was not a new undertaking, but one built on decades of experience across the industry.
“Employing persons with disabilities is not an act of philanthropy. It is a sound investment in individuals who are committed to learning the skills of the trade and who often excel in the workplace,” Lawrence said. “Too often, persons with disabilities face barriers not because of a lack of ability, but because of limited access and limited opportunity. When employers create inclusive workplaces, they help remove these barriers and allow individuals to contribute their full potential to the national economy.”
Speaking at the event, ILO Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Joni Simpson said the pledge reflects a shared commitment to progress rather than a claim that every challenge has already been solved.
“By signing this pledge, employers are making a public commitment to strengthen disability-inclusive employment within their companies. This is a commitment to keep moving forward, to review recruitment practices, remove barriers, engage with workers, and create more opportunities for persons with disabilities,” Simpson said. “Real and lasting progress is only possible through partnership between government, employers, workers, and organisations of persons with disabilities.”