SriLankan supports promotion of local craft and investment opportunities in London

SriLankan Airlines recently flew a delegation of creative professionals, along with special Sri Lankan made fashion, design and craft exhibits from Colombo to London, to launch the 2012 edition of the Sri Lanka Design Festival (SLDF).

London, positioned as a world creative hub, is also a central business point and home to some of the world’s top retailers and apparel sourcing specialists. SLDF was launched by the Academy of Design (AOD) in London in partnership with SriLankan Airlines, in order to establish vital international apparel and creative industry links with the local industry and promote local craftsmanship.
The event, which showcased locally manufactured apparel ranging from lingerie to casualwear and a variety of handcraft products, drew a list of the industry’s who’s who, including representatives from MJM International and Vivienne Westwood.
The event succeeded in projecting Sri Lanka’s apparel and creative skills, and the unlimited investment opportunities available in the country in addition to garnering enthusiasm among attendees to participate at the upcoming Sri Lanka Design Festival. Local craft received a further boost, with the unveiling of SriLankan Airlines’ new craft-based inflight collection.
SriLankan Airlines’ CEO Kapila Chandrasena speaking at the event stated: “The airline is pleased to support the promotion of Sri Lanka’s creative wealth and increase awareness of the country’s potential internationally, thereby creating export markets for local apparel and handcrafted goods.”
The airline is committed towards contributing to the country’s economic goals, particular in driving the growth of the tourism industry. By forging relationships between local suppliers and foreign buyers, SriLankan is not only promoting local industries, but the country as an ideal location for business investment opportunities, thereby encouraging business travel into Sri Lanka. Furthermore to entice leisure travel, a special holiday package was also offered to the distinguished audience at the launch.
AOD, one of South Asia’s pioneering design educators, offering undergraduate education in fashion, interior and graphic design, has spearheaded the annual Sri Lanka Design Festival, which will be held for the fourth consecutive year this November with exhibitions in Colombo and Mount Lavinia.