Sri Lanka, May 26 -- Sri Lanka's apex apparel body has sounded the alarm on the growing burden of operational costs, calling for urgent, industry-wide collaboration following the sudden closure of NEXT's Katunayake plant, one of the largest single-factory shutdowns in recent times.

"This development highlights the need for urgent, collaborative efforts to address cost pressures and safeguard long-term industry viability," Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) Secretary General Yohan Lawrence told Mirror Business.

The Forum acknowledged NEXT's commitment to legally compensate affected employees and, subject to an agreement, to enhance the statutory severance package.

NEXT cited the "high operational costs of Katunayake" as the core re...