Global apparel-tech conglomerate MAS Holdings has again demonstrated its leadership within the export sector by winning multiple top honors, including the prestigious 'Exporter of the Year' award at the 26th Presidential Export Awards for 2023/24. This esteemed ceremony, held under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, took place on Friday at the BMICH in Colombo.
MAS Holdings stood out at the ceremony, capturing both overall and sectoral awards, showcasing its substantial contributions to Sri Lanka’s export economy. Alongside the 'Exporter of the Year,' the company also won the 'Net Foreign Exchange Earner of the Year,' 'Best Exporter in Product Diversification,' 'Contributor to Sustainable Development in Exports,' 'Contributor from the Regions to the Export Supply Chain,' and 'Best Performing Exporter in Emerging Markets.' Notably, MAS also took home the sectoral award for 'Best Exporter – Apparel – Large Category.'
Suren Fernando, the CEO of MAS Holdings, expressed pride over the achievements, stating, "Our achievement today is powered by the dedication and hard work of our 70,000 team members in Sri Lanka, whose passion and resilience carry our organisation forward. From the production floor to our design hubs, their unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence embodies the very best of Sri Lanka’s manufacturing capabilities. We are honoured to contribute to our nation’s economy and uphold its reputation as a premier hub for ethical, world-class manufacturing." This statement highlights how integral the workforce is to the company's success.
The Presidential Export Awards, organized by the Export Development Board (EDB), symbolize the highest honor for export excellence within Sri Lanka. They aim to celebrate and acknowledge exporters who have made significant contributions to the country's export sector and economic advancement. MAS Holdings has proven to be a frontrunner, having previously earned the 'Exporter of the Year' award for four consecutive years, including the financial years 2021/22 and 2022/23.
Other executives from MAS also attended the ceremony to accept awards on behalf of their respective divisions. Rajiv Dharmendra, CEO of the MAS Intimates Division, received the 'Net Foreign Exchange Earner of the Year' award, emphasizing the impact of this division on the overall achievement. Ziyan Zahir, Chief Executive Officer of the MAS Kreeda Division, accepted the award for 'Best Exporter in Product Diversification.' Muditha Ferdinando, Chief Executive Officer of MAS Active Division, took home the 'Contributor to Sustainable Development in Exports' award. Dilantha Jayaratne, Director of Finance, Commercial and Projects for MAS Kreeda, was honored for being the 'Contributor from the Regions to the Export Supply Chain,' and Ruwan Keragala, Chief Operating Officer of the MAS Intimates Division, accepted the award for 'Best Performing Exporter in Emerging Markets.'
This recognition reflects the company’s overarching strategy which emphasizes sustainable growth, diversity, and innovation across its product lines. The awards also serve as motivation for not just MAS Holdings but other organizations within Sri Lanka, aiming for similar achievements within the export market.
The Presidential Export Awards celebrate Sri Lanka’s exporters at large and bring attention to how various sectors contribute to the national economy. The event acts as both a milestone and inspiration, driving competitiveness among local firms, enhancing their profile on the global stage. MAS Holdings’ continued success mirrors the growth potential within Sri Lanka’s export industry, encouraging others to follow suit.