UNICEF and the Sri Lankan Government are exploring the possibilities of the local garment industry supplying Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for worldwide distribution through UNICEF.
This transpired at a discussion between the Presidential Task Force on Essential Services headed by former minister Basil Rajapaksa, Sri Lankan garment industry representatives and UN and UNICEF representatives in Sri Lanka led by UN Resident Coordinator Hanaa Singer and UNICEF’s Muradh Moheieldin. UNICEF representatives in Denmark and Nepal participated by video conference.
UNICEF representatives pointed out that they require 10 million pieces of gloves and 10 million face masks weekly as per current needs.
Accordingly a committee headed by the Sri Lanka Board of investment has been appointed to coordinate with the local garment industry and hold discussions on the progress on a daily basis.
It was also decided to implement a system in the upcoming three months to certify standards and quality of the products and also to evolve a mechanism for UNICEF to purchase the protective clothing items.
Apparel industry representatives welcomed the move, saying they were fully geared to manufacture the required amount of world class protective items as per UNICEF specifications and requirements.
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