COLOMBO, Jan. 21 -- Sri Lanka's apparel exporters have reaffirmed their commitment to meeting European Union human rights due diligence and sustainability requirements, as global brands tighten supply-chain standards, the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) said.

Industry leaders and international certification bodies meeting in Colombo said compliance with recognized social and environmental certification systems would be critical for Sri Lanka to maintain competitiveness in key export markets, particularly Europe and the United States.

"Consumers, regulators and investors are now aligned in demanding responsible production," Avedis Seferian, President and Chief Executive Officer of Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP)...