Sri Lanka is an island as abundant in rich traditions as natural beauty. The country once thrived with a flourishing textile industry, but over the decades, much of its traditional cotton cultivation and artisanal textile crafts have been overshadowed by modern industrial practices and imports.
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Supported by our parent company, MYGroup, Exiled is bringing renewed life to these heritage practices through a pioneering sustainable textile production and manufacturing proof-of-concept in Sri Lanka, set to empower local communities while contributing to a socially and environmentally responsible supply chain for our future product lines.
Bringing back cotton cultivation after half a century
In the Monaragala District of Sri Lanka’s Uva province, Exiled is reintroducing organic cotton farming practices not seen in the region since the late 1970s. Guided by regenerative agriculture principles, we aim not just to cultivate superior cotton as raw material, but also to nourish and restore the health of the land. Grown, cultivated, ginned and spun free from harmful chemicals and pesticides, the cotton produced through this initiative will be incorporated into Exiled products. In doing so, we are carrying forward our commitment to cultivating raw material in areas ripe for regeneration, as well as the integrity, transparency and responsibility that define our supply chain.
Supporting and showcasing heritage techniques for new markets
Our work in Sri Lanka reaches far beyond agriculture to preserve and champion expert craftsmanship and heritage techniques. Collaborating with Fibershed Sri Lanka and local government administration in the areas through MYGroup, Exiled is connected with artisan communities in the North West and North Central provinces, with the objective to bring a number of sustainable and centuries-old skills back to new markets:
- Natural dyeing Sri Lanka has a rich heritage in natural colour dyeing, using tones derived from plants such as turmeric, madder root and jackfruit, as well as techniques such as echo print for pattern making. Exiled cotton yarn produced through the Sri Lanka initiative will be dyed and patterned using these traditional techniques
Handloom weaving
Dyed Exiled yarn will be spun into cotton cloth using a manually operated process that is said to have existed in Sri Lanka for over two millennia, typified by its intricate designs and high-quality craftsmanship.
Reed and rush weaving
Exiled bags, baskets and other products will be hand-crafted from these natural leaves, together with design accents of other natural and recycled materials sourced through MYGroup’s broader operations.
Community empowerment remains fundamental to Exiled’s vision. Our Sri Lanka project will actively uplift local artisans, particularly women, ensuring they receive fair compensation and more stable working environments. In doing so, these artisans will be supported to thrive, innovate and inspire future generations in their communities, as well as join the ranks of Exiled’s trusted network of skilled craftspeople across the world.
Exiled’s Sri Lankan initiative is a vivid embodiment of our belief that luxury is defined not by excess, but by rarity, purpose and profound respect for the raw materials and skilled hands involved in every creation.
It is our privilege to share this story with you through pieces and collections to come, inviting you to discover and wear the story.
