"I understand how important the GSP+ scheme is for Sri Lanka. I will do everything possible to support your application for these concessions", said Sir Stuart Rose, the Chief Executive Officer of M&S, the largest clothing operator in the United Kingdom.

"I deeply appreciate Sri Lanka’s ethical standards and her splendid performance in the apparel sector", he beamed. "I am delighted by what I saw during this brief visit".

"This is one the best factories that I ever visited", he noted, after walking around the sprawling MAS Intimates Thurulie, the first eco-manufacturing plant located at MAS Fabric Park, Thulhiriya, which launched operations last Friday.

"There are others who merely talk, but Sri Lanka is a doer", he underscored. "That’s what makes the difference".

The innovative green plant will manufacture lingerie for M&S, the British high street retailer, which operate stores in more than 30 countries.

Sir Stuart also had an aerial view of this lush property, the world’s first lean and green manufacturing plant, before his helicopter touched down.

This factory is a trend-setter, he noted. ‘Sri Lanka set standards which others will and should follow".

Perhaps, elated over Sir Stuart’s pledge to champion Sri Lanka GSP+ cause, Ministers Peiris and Amunugama were on their feet to congratulate the eminent foreign visitor after his inspiring speech.

"Thank you", they chorused in unison, with a pat on the back for an assurance to push through concessions from the European Union so vital for Sri Lanka’s apparel industry.

In his speech earlier, Dr. Sarath Amunugama underlined the importance Sri Lanka attaches to the GSP+ saying this scheme sustains the country’s 7% growth.

"The GSP+ is not a give away, but a hard earned reward for managing our apparel industry exceedingly well", he noted. "We rightly deserve these concessions".

The Minister described the MAS eco-manufacturing plant as a "wonderful showcase to the apparel industry which complies with all regulations and criteria for international recognition for concessions and support".

Sri Lanka has no sweatshops and does not employ child or prison labour, Prof. Peiris pointed out. "Sri Lanka gives leadership to the vital apparel industry".

"There were prohets of doon when the multi-fibe agreement ceased", the Export Development and International Trade Minister recalled. "But now some compaines are doing far better than during the quota regime".

He lauded MAS Holdings CEO Deshamanya Mahesh Amalean for the vision and leadership to propel the industry to new heights. "This is a classic example of what vision can acheieve"

He said that it is commendable that this green plant has been designed to reduce carbon emissions and aims to become carbon neutral. It features the biggest installation of solar panels in Sri Lanka so far, which will provide around 10% of electricity required for the factory.