Lanka to pioneer Marks & Spencer eco- friendly factory

Marks and Spencer, UK in its exercise to draw its suppliers into its Green Agenda is to set up the first Eco - friendly clothing factory in Thulhiriya, Sri Lanka, which would be ready for production by the first quarter of next year, according to CEO of M & S, Stuart Rose, who disclosed when Prof. G L Peiris, Minister of Export Development and International Trade paid a goodwill visit to the former in London.

M & S has selected Sri Lankan lingerie supplier MAS Intimates, as their local collaborator for this project.

Rose, CEO of M & S who turned around M & S performance during the past three years informed Prof. Peiris that he would be undertaking a visit to Sri Lanka soon. Mr. Rose further said that the M & S consider Sri Lanka as one of the most important suppliers in their international business. It was mentioned that MAS Holdings, Brandix and Hirdramani of Sri Lanka were among their top 10 global suppliers with whom M & S had established a strong and valued business relationship.

According to Rose, M & S regional logistics hub which commenced its operations in Sri Lanka in March 2007, was running smoothly and Minister Peiris pledged his support for further expanding M & S operations in Sri Lanka.

Minister Peiris commended M & S contribution to the Sri Lankan economy through its long-standing business relationship with Sri Lanka for mutual benefit. M & S, which won the UK Social Responsibility Award of the Confederation British Industries (CBI) for second time in 2006, had acknowledged the contribution of Sri Lankan suppliers for its huge success. It was also revealed that one of the Sri Lankan suppliers to M & S had found employment to disabled women.

High Commissioner Kshenuka Senewiratne, Deeptha Kulatilleke, Minister (Commercial) and Sampath Dissanayaka, Private Secretary accompanied Minister Peiris to this meeting.