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Yohan Lawrence appointed as JAAF Secretary General

04 Feb 2022

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the apex body of the Sri Lankan apparel industry, appointed respected industry veteran Yohan Lawrence as its new Secretary General. “Having onboard a proven, dynamic, and respected professional of the calibre of Yohan Lawrence as our new Secretary General, will be a significant source of strength for JAAF,” stated newly elected Chairman Sharad Amalean. “The JAAF Executive Committee will benefit from his deep industry expertise, as we strive forward in our journey to establish Sri Lanka as a global apparel hub. We also extend our immense gratitude to our outgoing Secretary General Tuli Cooray for his tireless contribution over many years, on behalf of the country’s apparel sector and JAAF.”  Lawrence, who counts over 20 years of experience in senior management positions in the apparel sector as well as in leadership positions in prominent industry associations, succeeds Tuli Cooray, the association’s Founder Secretary General, who stepped down after a long and distinguished tenure in the role. Tuli Cooray continues his relationship with the JAAF in the capacity of a consultant.  Lawrence is also the former InQube Global Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Business Sustainability, Quantum Clothing Lanka Country Manager, and Coats Viyella Clothing Assistant General Manager in Sri Lanka. Prior to his present appointment, Lawrence has worked in close collaboration with his predecessor, to support JAAF and the industry, following the outbreak of the pandemic, which created many challenges for the apparel sector. Lawrence has also supported the industry as its representative to several key committees and organisations. He is the Industry Nominee to the National Labour Advisory Council and serves as one of the Industry Directors at the Sri Lanka Institute of Textile and Apparel. He has also been the industry representative on the Council of the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon and a member of the Apparel Advisory Committee of the Export Development Board (EDB). A former Chairman of Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters’ Association (SLAEA) – one of the constituent organisations of JAAF – Lawrence has also previously functioned as the Vice Chairman of JAAF. He holds a BSc in Economics from the University College of London and a MBA from Middlesex University – UK, and has held several key positions including regional roles in multinational apparel operations.   JAAF is the apex body which guides Sri Lankan apparel towards its ultimate goal of being the world’s number one apparel sourcing destination. JAAF represents five associations that cover supply chain partners, the export-oriented apparel manufacturers, buying offices, and representatives of international brands in Sri Lanka.


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