It can be another setback for Indian textile companies, especially for those who are exporting fabric to Sri Lanka.
Recently Dayasiri Jayasekara, Minister of State for Batik, Textile and Handloom Products, Sri Lanka announced that Sri Lanka has banned the fabric import.
The step has been taken to protect the interests of domestic fabric manufacturing of Sri Lanka – especially local handloom and Batik.
As per the Indian Government data, in 2019-2020, India exported knitted fabric (HS Code 60) worth US $ 198.54 million to Sri Lanka, which was 14 per cent more compared to 2018-2019.
The Minister said that a large number of Batik and textile showrooms are being set up in every city.
Further, the Minister added that Sri Lanka has stopped importing Batik paint and all textile fabrics and now has a great opportunity to bring back the largest range of handloom textile and Batik products manufactured in Sri Lanka.
Indian textile companies, having good export to Sri Lanka, are waiting for the detailed notification in this regard as the same has been not issued yet,though it has been approved by Sri Lankan Parliament.
“We are concerned about this ban and once we study the notification, we will see what can be done,” said a GM of a Ludhiana-based top textile company, which exports a good amount of fabric to Sri Lanka.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
