Recognizing the Footwear & Leather industry as a potential industry to be developed for exports, the government has facilitated the industry with several initiatives. The local industry is almost reaching the saturating point where exports are essential for the sustainability of the industry. With a view to broad base the export ready footwear and leather industry and to create awareness on the capabilities of the industry locally and internationally, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) together with Ministry of Industries ,Industrial Development Board and the Sri Lanka Footwear &Leather Products Association (SLFLPA) o organized Sri Lanka’s first ever Footwear & Leather fair in year 2007.

The objectives of this fair was to strengthen and sustain the image of the industry, promote Sri Lankan export capabilities among international buyers, provide opportunity for SME’s to improve their talents and capabilities to become export ready companies and to upgrade technological capabilities of SME’s and encourage them to move into manufacture of value added products to cater to the international market.

The number of stalls in the year 2007 was 141 and it was increased to 230 by the year 2020. Apart from the local exhibitors, foreign importers of raw material and components exhibited their products at this fairmaking this fair listed in the Internationla Exhibition Calendar . Delegations from many countries also visited this fair. In parallel to this event, a design competition, best stall competition was held.

Considering the success of the fair and the importance of continuing the fair which has achieved the set objectives, the Footwear & Leather fair was held annually. Unfortunately we were unable to organize the fair in year 2021& 2022 due to the pandemic Situation in the country.
The fair which was held for Eleven (12) consecutive years have contributed immensely in creating awareness of the Sri Lanka footwear and leather industry locally and internationally. The 13th Footwear & Leather Fair was held successfully from February 3rd to 5th 2023 at the BMICH.