Forging a Strong Alliance with JAAF to Elevate Engineering Undergraduate Program

On July 13, 2023, the Moratuwa University Textile Association (MUTA) achieved a historic breakthrough by securing support from the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) the Apex body of Sri Lanka’s Apparel Industry. During the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 29, 2023, distinguished attendees, including the department's founder, Emeritus Prof. Lakdas Fernando, and influential figures from the textile and apparel industry, emphasized the vital need for a collaboration with JAAF. The catalyst for this historic advancement was provided by the keynote speakers at the MUTA AGM, namely Afham Mohamed Ali, Director of Supply Chain at Brandix Apparel Limited, and Lalith Bandara, CEO of Brandix Essentials (Pvt) Ltd. Their unwavering support greatly facilitated the process, simplifying the efforts of both the department and MUTA in establishing a productive connection with JAAF.MUTA's success in establishing this significant connection with JAAF can be attributed to the unwavering dedication of Prof. WDG Lanarolle, President of MUTA, and Eng. SN Niles, Head of the Department of Textile & Apparel Engineering. This achievement underscores MUTA's commitment to strengthening the bond between academia and the industry.

Crucially, Mr. KavindaRathnapala, Analyst at JAAF, and Mr. Janaka Nanayakkara, GM HR at Tee Jay Lanka PLC, emerged as key pillars of support, playing instrumental roles in achieving this significant milestone. Their commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry has laid the foundation for a stronger future for the textile and apparel sector in Sri Lanka. The fruit of this collaborative endeavor is the establishment of the JAAF Standing Committee on Talent and Education, a momentous achievement that holds the promise of reshaping the future of education and talent development within the industry. This committee comprises members from JAAF, MUTA, and the Department of Textile & Apparel Engineering, embodies a shared vision of progress.

The committee's distinguished members include:

· Mr.JanakaNanayakkara (Tee Jay Lanka) - Co-Convenor

· Eng. S.N. Niles (Department of Textile & Apparel Engineering) - Co-Convenor

· Mr. Philip R. Fernando (Department of Textile & Apparel Engineering) – Secretary

· Prof. W.D.G. Lanarolle (Department of Textile & Apparel Engineering & MUTA) – Member

· Mr. SujeevaSaweendra (Eskimo) – Member

· Ms. Deirdre Candappa (MAS) – Member

· Mr. Wilhelm Elias (NEXT) – Member

· Mr. Gopal K. Iyer (Sri Lanka Apparel Sourcing Association) – Member

· Mr. SahadMukthar (Brandix) – Member

· Mr. Dinusha Jayamanne (Brandix) – Member

· Mr. ChathumaduraLiyanagama (Ocean Lanka) – Member

· Mr. KavindaRatnapala (JAAF) – Member

· A Member from Hirdaramani

This diverse assembly of industry leaders and academic experts will collaboratively address the evolving demands of the textile and apparel sector. Their primary focus will be on enhancing education and talent development, which will be essential for the industry's sustainable growth.

The committee's second meeting is scheduled for September 14, 2023, where they will chart a course for their collaborative efforts. The standing committee envisions regular meetings, occurring once every two months, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and strategies within the committee. The MUTA eagerly anticipates maximum support from JAAF as they work hand-in-hand to realize their shared goals.