MAS Archives

April 19, 2024

Advancing a firm commitment to women’s health and sustainable practices, Femography by MAS embarked on a mission to combat period poverty by donating over 10,000 reusable period wear items to vulnerable communities across Sri Lanka.

Launched in commemoration of International Women’s Day, the initiative seeks to address the critical need for accessible menstrual care and aims to support over 2,000 women from economically disadvantaged communities, nationwide.

Femography also joined hands with the charitable call to action ‘Run For Her’, to distribute reusable period panties, and raise funds and awareness for menstrual health needs.

Inspired by the power of the feminine mind and body, Femography was established with a vision to bring greater health, dignity, and confidence to feminine lives through what they wear. As pioneers in the FemTech apparel industry, Femography has been a testament to the defiance against traditional taboos surrounding women’s health. The brand’s pioneering work has also seen its transition from disposables to reusables, championing innovations that significantly contribute to the advancement of women’s health and well-being.

This initiative not only reflects Femography’s commitment to addressing menstrual health challenges but also underscores its broader mission of social responsibility and innovation.

“We are more than just a pioneering force in innovation and apparel manufacturing – we put the consumer at the core of our ethos to design solutions that truly matter. Given our expertise in developing advanced, functional fem-health solutions that are helping to drive a global transition from single-use products that end up in landfills, to reusables that promote a culture of sustainability, we realized that we could make a direct and lasting positive impact. Alleviating period poverty is a fundamentally empowering change for women, and we are proud to help drive progress on this vital cause,” said Pilar Diaz, CEO of Femography by MAS.

Period poverty, a significant yet often overlooked issue, disproportionately affects women and girls worldwide. In Sri Lanka, access to menstrual hygiene products remains a challenge for many due to economic constraints and societal taboos.

Even prior to Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, 50% of households with menstruating women were unable to afford menstrual pads. This leaves many women and girls at a significant disadvantage, leading to reduced school and work attendance.

According to a study conducted by the United Nations Population Fund, approximately 20 percent of schoolgirls miss school during their menstruation due to inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products. The repercussions of period poverty extend beyond mere inconvenience, often hindering women’s ability to work, study, and participate fully in society.

Moreover, the environmental impact of disposable sanitary napkins exacerbates this issue. Traditional disposable pads contribute significantly to pollution and landfill waste, posing a severe threat to the environment. Research conducted by the Women’s Environmental Network showed that a single disposable pad can take up to 500 years to decompose, further highlighting the urgency of adopting sustainable menstrual practices.

As a subsidiary of MAS Holdings, Femography has been at the forefront of the FemTech industry for over 10 years, leveraging its expertise and resources to revolutionize menstrual care and empower women globally. With a proven track record of delivering functional and sustainable products, Femography continues to lead by example, inspiring change and driving progress in the FemTech landscape.

March 29, 2024

The aftermath of the pandemic and the economic crisis still reverberates across different sectors of society, but with changing climate patterns and rising temperatures, a potentially more severe crisis looms still larger over the island nation. Ranked 100^th out of 181 countries in the 2017 ND-GAIN Index, Sri Lanka is already considered to be among the most vulnerable to climate change, the rising frequency and intensity of extreme weather events is currently projected to cost Sri Lanka as much as 7.7% of its GDP by 2050.

For a nation in which 30% of employment is generated by the agriculture sector, this is a considerable threat to the nation’s economy and to livelihoods. Meanwhile, on a global scale, the efforts of all key global actors on climate action remains starkly insufficient, with the last 12 months were the first in history in which average global temperatures stayed above the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius global warming threshold set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement.

A novel, youth-led approach

With the impacts of this escalating crisis already being felt, young Sri Lankans need to be equipped with the knowledge, tools and skills needed to effectively navigate this growing crisis. In particular, the nation’s educational system must now grapple with preparing students for a future in which economic and social cohesion will hinge on their ability to combat and adapt to a rapidly changing climate.

“In the face of persistent environmental challenges and a global urgency for climate action, it’s clear that traditional approaches are no longer sufficient. The resilience of our economy and the sustainability of our communities depends on innovative thinking and new solutions—particularly from the younger generation. Education in sustainability is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about inspiring a wave of changemakers equipped to tackle the issues that lie ahead with creativity and resilience,” explained Amanthi Perera, Head of Social Sustainability at MAS Holdings.

“This critical gap in the integration of real-world problem solving on environmental and social issues was the basis for the MAS Eco Go Beyond (EGB) programme. By engaging young minds in sustainability education, we’re not only preparing them for future challenges but also unlocking a treasure trove of innovative ideas that will undoubtedly go on to form the foundation of all future climate action, mitigation, and adaptation initiatives. The best place to start has always been the classroom,” Perera said.

A sustainable framework for progress

Launched in 2006, the Eco Go Beyond programme predates today’s concepts of Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) standards and best practices. Yet from the outset, MAS recognized the urgent need to embed sustainability and environmental and social stewardship into the heart of the education system. To further this vision, the global apparel-tech conglomerate directly engaged with the Sri Lankan Government to establish a pioneering partnership that 17 years later is still yielding promising results on structured sustainability education.

It started with a simple yet powerful idea: to link sustainability education with local values and culture, making it relevant and actionable for students across the country. This approach has helped demystify complex environmental and social issues, turning them into opportunities for innovation and community leadership. Over the years, Eco Go Beyond evolved into a comprehensive platform that includes competitions, awards, and community projects, empowering students to take their innovative solutions beyond the classroom and into real-world applications.

This rewards-based learning model further supplements the core syllabus by promoting a vibrant engagement between EGB students, teachers, and school principals with the MAS team as well as the communities that each school operates in.

“Constant engagement with students, schools, and communities has been critical to the continuing success of Eco Go Beyond. Before entering a school, we ascertain the ground situation and commitment of the school and authorities to embark in a programme of this nature, and once the programme was established, there was a programme of continuous monitoring and evaluation, with a view enabling each school to run their own programmes autonomously,” Perera added.

“This approach was important to ground our concepts in the day-to-day realities and lived experiences of each community. Because ultimately, they have a much better awareness of which issues to prioritize.”

A remarkable legacy of student-led sustainable solutions

Since its inception, the programme has grown and expanded to cover 149 schools in Sri Lanka, cumulatively providing over 177,000 students with structured education on sustainability.

Throughout, the programme has sought to go beyond rudimentary concepts of sustainability by creating spaces that foster scientific curiosity, and systemic approaches to real-world problem solving that is rooted in the practical needs of the communities connected to MAS EGB schools.

According to Perera, the programme has ignited a remarkable series of student-led initiatives that exemplify the transformative power of sustainability education. Tharushi from Rajawaka Maha Vidyalaya in Balangoda is a shining example. Tharushi brought renewable energy to her school through solar panels, ensuring uninterrupted education during power outages. Her project in 2022 was such a resounding success that the excess energy generated was subsequently utilized to power electric fences to prevent elephants entering the village.

These projects, along with others like 2022 student project winner Sanodh’s waste recycling initiative also foster a sense of community and economic sustainability. These are further examples of youth-led innovation that create lasting positive impacts and illustrate the far-reaching impacts of the programme and its role in nurturing a new generation of changemakers.

Its success and impact have not gone unnoticed. In addition to being a part of the consultative programmes referred when forming the Asia Pacific Toolkit of UNESCO in 2008, it was also showcased at COP 28 in 2023.

The expansion of the programme to India, marks its journey beyond Sri Lankan borders, promising to cultivate a global network of young sustainability leaders. To amplify the impact of the programme, MAS is also exploring the creation of a digital, remote learning platform to encapsulate the programme’s lessons and methodologies.

This initiative aims to make sustainability education accessible worldwide, inviting partners to collaborate on this groundbreaking venture. By open sourcing its knowledge, MAS is hopeful that system change could champion sustainability and innovation.

“Eco Go Beyond stands as a beacon of hope and a model for the future, demonstrating that education is a critical lever for achieving sustainability and that young minds are capable of leading the charge. With each passing year, EGB continues to expand its legacy of education, adaptation, and resilience, proving that the journey of sustainability education is not just about creating projects but fostering a global community of informed, empowered, and proactive individuals ready to make a difference,” Perera concluded.

March 14, 2024

Colombo, 13^th March 2024 – 99x, a global product engineering company installed an Ocean Strainer to address the issue of ocean plastic pollution as part of the company’s sustainability initiatives focusing on the environment. This 80-foot strainer was installed in the Lunawa Lagoon in Moratuwa, in collaboration with the MAS Foundation for Change.

The Ocean Strainer is a floating trap designed by MAS Holdings to collect and remove plastic waste from waterways and preventing plastics reaching the ocean. The Lunawa Lagoon ecosystem is extremely polluted due to the significant amount of waste entering the lagoon through the four canals. This project has the potential to offer a long-term holistic solution to floating macro plastic pollution, by successfully preventing the entry of debris from the largest of the forementioned four canals, promising an immediate positive impact on the entire Lagoon ecosystem. The installed Ocean Strainer is expected to capture over 20,000 kg of waste annually, which will be collected and disposed responsibly by local authorities.

Shehani Seneviratne, Chief Operating Officer of 99x, commented, “Pollution from microplastics is a critical issue that we must address in a sustainable manner. By installing an Ocean Strainer, we go further to address plastic pollution at its source, where we prevent plastic waste before it enters the ocean. We are delighted to partner with the MAS Foundation for Change for this engagement and appreciate their commitment towards this cause”.

Sharika Senanayake, Executive Director of the MAS Foundation for Change, said, “We appreciate the support of our partner 99x, who readily came forward to collaborate with us and support us on our journey to turn the tide on pollution and reclaim the purity of our waters. This effort was much appreciated by the community and local government authorities who supported us with the installation of the Ocean Strainer and subsequently keeping the canal clean. The community is looking forward to seeing their lake restored to its full glory like they remember just a few years ago”.

The MAS Foundation for Change, established in 2022 by MAS Holdings, is an independent non-profit organization aimed at tackling the social and environmental challenges faced due to ocean pollution, biodiversity loss and lack of access to clean water. Currently, the MAS Foundation for Change spearheads the expansion of the ‘Ocean Strainer’ across Sri Lanka, while scaling up biodiversity restoration initiatives through reforestation, invasive removal and enrichment and working to improve water access in disadvantaged communities where MAS operates. The MAS Foundation for Change facilitates collaborations with global and Sri Lankan partners including sponsors, innovators, and implementers for these projects.

Headquartered in Norway with roots in Sri Lanka, 99x has solidified its position as a global leader in product engineering. With a track record of over 150 impactful digital products developed in collaboration with leading Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) since 2004, the 99x Group has a team of over 600 technology and product specialists across Sri Lanka, Brazil, Norway, Portugal, and Malaysia. Their expertise, creativity, and collaborative spirit continue to drive innovation and excellence in the digital product landscape.

February 29, 2024

MAS Holdings, South Asia’s leading apparel tech Company, reaffirmed its dedication to sustainability education with the completion of the Eco Go Beyond Sustainable Schools Programme 2023 Awards Ceremony, held at MAS Athena in Thulhiriya, recently.

Representative of UNICEF Sri Lanka, Christian Skoog graced the occasion as Chief Guest, while senior officials from the Ministry of Education and the MAS leadership also attended the event.

The awards ceremony, which took place on the 26^th of February 2024, represents the culmination of a year-long series of workshops, training programmes, and student-led projects, to celebrate the exceptional achievements of the year’s young sustainability champions and showcase their innovative efforts to foster environmental and social stewardship within their communities.

Initiated 17 years ago, the Eco Go Beyond programme integrates sustainability principles into schools with the aim of inspiring and empowering a new generation to lead on environmental conservation and climate action. The programme has been a cornerstone of MAS Holdings’ commitment to fostering youth-led sustainable development, in alignment with the broader targets set out in the MAS Plan for Change.

“We believe that the approach and impact of the MAS Eco Go Beyond Sustainable Schools Programme represents our best hope for ensuring a sustainable future for our planet. The solutions that are being developed by this new generation of changemakers have the potential to help Sri Lanka to mitigate and adapt to the rising threat of climate change, and sow the seeds for a brighter future. This day is really about each of the students, teachers, principals, and community members, who have all selflessly placed their support behind this transformative initiative,” said Nemanthie Kooragamage, Director – Group Sustainable Business at MAS Holdings.

“The Eco Go Beyond Schools programme proves that when the public and private sector work together with people and communities on the ground, we can have an incredible impact. This year also marks the first full year since the MAS Eco Go Beyond programme has been running in two schools in Tamil Nadu. As we continue to expand the reach of the programme, we remain committed to fostering a global network of sustainability ambassadors who will drive positive change in their communities and beyond,” added Amanthi Perera, Head of Social Sustainability at MAS Holdings.

The innovative projects presented by the Eco Go Beyond winners represent the insightful impact that collaborative efforts can have on environmental conservation and community development. Through initiatives like reforestation, waste management, and accessibility solutions for persons with disabilities, these young sustainability champions are not only addressing pressing environmental challenges but also inspiring broader engagement and driving positive change within their communities.

This year’s first place winner, Grade 10 student from Sri Gnanodaya Central College, Abiru Sujayana led reforestation, waste management, and mangrove restoration projects, which have resulted in over 95,000 trees being planted, reaching over 8,000 homes and benefitting 15,000 people. His initiatives included creating sapling nurseries and model gardens, and distributing plant saplings and fertilizer to communities. Emerging second place, Kusal Sachintha of Uduwa Junior School, focused on developing innovative solutions for persons with disabilities, by designing a tool for creating labels in Braille and collaborated with the Automation team at Bodyline to produce prototypes through 3D printing. Kusal has distributed 39,900 Braille labels to date, enhancing accessibility for individuals with visual impairments, while third place winner Samidi Hasara of Bellana Maha Vidyalaya, led reforestation efforts in her community, leveraging a wide network of supporters that resulted in over 13,000 saplings being planted, contributing to environmental conservation.

The students’ dedication and passion serve as a testament to the transformative power of sustainability education and the potential of youth-led initiatives to create a more sustainable and inclusive future for all. As MAS remains committed to fostering sustainability education and empowering youth to become agents of change, the company aims to amplify the reach and impact of the Eco Go Beyond programme, catalyzing positive environmental action across borders.

December 15, 2023

Lable by MAS, a pioneering manufacturer in adaptive clothing, unveiled its exhibition titled ‘9 nine නවය ஒன்பது’ at One Galle Face Mall, in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on the 2nd and 3rd of December, 2023.

Understanding the pressing need to shift societal narratives and foster collective awareness about disabilities in Sri Lanka, Lable by MAS curated ‘9 nine නවය ஒன்பது’ as an immersive and educative public experience. This innovative exhibition aimed to transcend boundaries, inviting visitors to explore, experience, and embrace an enlightening journey of learning together.

The exhibition layout, comprising four distinct rooms, offered unique insights into pivotal disability categories: Physical Disabilities, Sensory Disabilities (Sight and Hearing), and Developmental Disabilities. Each room served as a window into the multifaceted experiences of the disabled community, urging visitors to engage their senses and expand their understanding of these often overlooked realities. The journey through these rooms left visitors in tears, as they immersed themselves into the lives and experiences of persons with disabilities.

In-depth Insights into Disability Narratives

Room 01 (Developmental Disabilities) by Kitty Ritig: Renowned artist Kitty Ritig’s installation, ‘Make It Make Sense,’ artfully guided visitors through the experiences of those with developmental disabilities. This immersive journey, drawing from her own personal experiences highlighted accomplishments within the face of societal prejudices and inadequate infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of support and understanding.

Room 02 (Physical Disabilities) by Siobhan D’Almeida: Siobhan D’Almeida’s installation, ‘From Here to There,’ inspired out of the conversations she had through focus groups vividly depicted the challenges individuals with physical disabilities encounter in navigating societal barriers. Through compelling visual narratives, it shed light on the inequalities and lack of accessibility in transportation and public infrastructure.

Room 03 (Sensory Disabilities: Hearing) & Room 04 (Sensory Disabilities: Sight): These rooms enveloped visitors in the experiences of those with sensory disabilities, unveiling the hurdles encountered due to inaccessible media and limited access in education, communication, and daily interaction.

Room 05 (Safe Space) & Pledge for Change: Acknowledging the emotional impact of the exhibition, a safe space was thoughtfully provided for visitors to process their experiences at the exhibition which may have been emotionally overwhelming.

Concurrently, the initiative ‘#IamFor9’ was introduced to reshape societal attitudes and advocating inclusivity across Sri Lanka. For this, Lable by MAS urged corporations, organisations and individuals alike to unite and connect with them so that the ‘9 nine නවය ஒன்பது’ exhibition could be taken across all the 9 provinces of Sri Lanka. With most entities working separately today, Lable believes that coming together may better aid or further this mission of change in Sri Lanka, and invites opportunities for conversations.

Through ‘9 nine නවය ஒன்பது’ and ongoing initiatives, Lable by MAS is aiming to reshape societal narratives surrounding disabilities in Sri Lanka. The exhibition acted as a catalyst for crucial conversations, fostering empathy, and propelling actionable change toward a more inclusive society.

Lable by MAS encourages active engagement in discussions, inviting individuals and organizations to pledge their support and participate in their mission to foster an inclusive Sri Lanka. Explore more about ‘9 nine නවය ஒன்பது’ and show your support through a message on the Instagram page @lable.byMAS , LinkedIn or at www.lablebymas.com

November 1, 2023

Feminine health and hygiene are the cornerstones of a woman’s overall well-being and quality of life. Yet, for far too long, the industry catering to these essential needs has been overshadowed by neglect, limited innovation, and insufficient research. Women worldwide have faced challenges in finding sustainable and empowering solutions for their menstrual and pelvic floor health, maternal and baby health, menopausal well-being, and the quest for eco-friendly alternatives. However, in 2014, a game-changer emerged to challenge the status quo and revolutionize feminine health: Femography, the FemTech arm of MAS Holdings, South Asia’s largest apparel tech company.

With a firm belief in the power of innovation and the potential to bring about positive change, Femography made its mark as an innovative Sri Lankan company dedicated to addressing the pressing issues faced by women across the globe. From menstrual pain to postpartum care, menopausal discomfort to menstrual hygiene, Femography set out on a transformative journey to empower women, and break barriers and taboos with reusable lifestyle product solutions, that are better for women and the planet.

Addressing Period Poverty

Period poverty, affecting as many as 1 in 10 menstruating girls and women worldwide, is a concerning issue linked to inadequate access to menstrual hygiene tools and education. In Sri Lanka, menstruation remains a taboo topic, and period poverty affects many women in the country. However, with its innovative apparel industry, the country has the capacity to address women’s health through FemTech.

Leveraging technology and expertise, Sri Lanka, with the pioneering venture of MAS Holdings in FemTech through Femography, strives to develop more sustainable, technologically advanced, reusable menstrual hygiene apparel solutions to positively impact period poverty globally.

According to the CEO of Femography at MAS Holdings, Pilar Diaz, “Femography adopts a consumer-centric approach to innovation, placing the consumer at the forefront of design and development. We directly engage with consumers to understand their needs, ensuring that every product is tailored to address the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of their lives at each stage.”

Revolutionizing Menstrual and Pelvic Floor Health

Femography has spearheaded a revolution in Menstrual & Pelvic Floor Health, offering women a diverse and a more sustainable range of products compared to traditional disposable sanitary pads. Gone are the days of discomfort and worry during menstruation and episodes of urinary incontinence, as Femography’s reliable and leak-proof period underwear and swimwear provide unparalleled comfort, confidence and style. Women can now embrace every aspect of their lives without compromising on fashion, thanks to Femography’s absorbent underwear and performance apparel, which offer day-long ease and support. The icing on the cake comes in the form of Femography’s Intelligent Heating Menstrual Pain Band, providing soothing relief during menstrual discomfort and turning those challenging days into manageable moments.

Maternal & Baby Health Redefined

Femography’s commitment to women’s health transcends age, extending a lifeline of support to new mothers and babies through their Maternal & Baby Health solutions. Reusable nursing pads and supportive maternity wear offer unparalleled comfort and convenience, guiding mothers through the joys and challenges of motherhood. Femography’s postpartum care products, including absorbent underwear, prioritize both protection and comfort during this crucial time. Sustainability also reaches the youngest generation through Femography’s reusable baby diapers, promoting a sustainable future for babies and the planet alike.

Taking on Menopausal Health with Confidence

Acknowledging the unique challenges of menopause, Femography takes on menopausal health with innovative solutions. Their Menopause Clothing, featuring the Antiflush TM Technology, brings a cooling fabric that combats hot flashes and discomfort, empowering women to navigate menopause with confidence and ease. Additionally, Femography’s discreet and effective Incontinence Underwear offers much-needed support to women dealing with bladder control issues, ensuring they can embrace this new phase of life without hesitation. “Femography’s commitment extends across all life stages, catering to the needs of girls transitioning into teenagers and women and supporting them through various phases of development, including menopause. With an inclusive approach that encompasses the full spectrum of women’s experiences, Femography fearlessly addresses taboos and unspoken needs often overlooked by others” said Diaz.

Championing Sustainable Solutions

Sustainability lies at the heart of Femography’s mission, driven by the forward-thinking approach of its parent company, MAS Holdings “The environmental impact of disposable sanitary wear is staggering, with a single woman having approximately 450 periods in her lifetime, lasting about 5 days each month. In North America alone, this contributes to a staggering 20 billion sanitary napkins, tampons and applicators that are disposed of every year, with majority ending up in landfills,” added Janith Dushyantha, Tech Innovation Lead, Femography at MAS Holdings. On average, just one package of sanitary napkins is equivalent to using over 5 plastic bags. The heavy use of disposable sanitary products is a major contributor to pollution, filling landfills with non-biodegradable waste and adding to the global plastic problem. As awareness grows about these alarming figures, there is an increasing need to shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives that reduce environmental burdens and promote a greener future. In response, Femography offers high-quality, long-lasting alternatives to disposables, aiming to reduce waste and minimize environmental burdens. This commitment to sustainability reflects Femography’s vision of a greener future for women and the planet, where every choice made contributes to a positive impact.

Raising the Bar with Safety, Compliance & Education

For Femography, safety and consumer well-being are non-negotiable. Adhering to strict regulations, their FemTech products maintain the highest quality standards, building trust and credibility amongst consumers. As pioneers in shaping industry regulations, Femography takes pride in launching the first global lab test protocol for Washable Absorbent Underwear, ensuring that minimum safety standards are met. “Femography prioritizes safety and compliance, adhering to specific standards to ensure consumer well-being,” says Dushyantha. “The rigorous approach to safety in the Sri Lankan apparel industry has influenced Femography’s commitment to providing safe and reliable products for women’s health.” Education is another cornerstone of Femography’s mission, empowering women with knowledge and resources to make informed choices about their health and hygiene.

Driving Positive Transformation Worldwide

As a champion in raising awareness and promoting sustainable alternatives, Femography’s efforts resonate worldwide. Collaborations spanning the globe allow Femography to advocate reusable solutions, educate consumers about the environmental impact of disposable products, and continuously innovate to meet the evolving needs of women. This global impact cements Femography’s position as a driving force in feminine health and hygiene, paving the way for positive transformation in the industry.

Femography’s journey is not merely about apparel; it is a testament to the power of innovation, challenging taboos, and championing inclusivity. With the unwavering support of MAS Holdings and the innovative spirit of Sri Lanka’s apparel industry, Femography is propelling a brighter and healthier future for women worldwide, one sustainable solution at a time. From menstrual empowerment to maternal support, from menopause comfort to environmental consciousness, Femography stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring women to embrace their true potential and take charge of their well-being with confidence and sustainability.

April 26, 2023

– Ranil Vitarana, CEO, Twinery – Innovations by MAS

Launch of ‘Lable>’, the world’s first manufacturer of adaptive clothing for persons with disabilities

Wednesday, April 26, 2023, Colombo, Sri Lanka: In a move to break the barriers that prevent persons with disabilities better integrate into society, Twinery – Innovations by MAS – the changemakers of innovative clothing across the world, together with Linea Aqua, aim to break through the stigma surrounding disability by changing the narratives that discriminate.

Ranil Vitarana, CEO, Twinery – Innovations by MAS said, “We need to push society to be more inclusive of persons with disabilities to ensure fair representation. Discriminative terminology makes it difficult for persons with disabilities to better integrate into society. Frequently used terminology like, “invalid, crippled, special, differently-abled, handicapped and many more of such, tend to be presumptuous and limiting. Sri Lanka needs to lead this important change. And we can.”

In Sri Lanka, nearly 9% of the population live with some form of disability. The situation around the world is even greater. According to WHO statistics, an estimated 16% of the global population or more than 1.3 billion people experience a significant disability today, and only 29% are engaged in the workforce. Whereas, in Switzerland 1.8 million people live with a disability and 72% are engaged in the workforce, said Muditha Ferdinando, CEO of Linea Aqua.

The WHO states that the number is growing because of an increase in non-communicable diseases and people living longer. Persons with disabilities are a diverse group, and factors such as sex, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, race, ethnicity and their economic situation affect their experiences in life and their health needs. Disabilities range from physically visible disabilities, such as the loss or malfunctioning of a body part, to invisible disabilities that impact a person’s cognitive or emotive state.

“Today, the act of wearing everyday clothing is a challenge for persons with disabilities,” Vitarana continued. “They’ve lived their lives with labels that confine, repress and shame, and clothing labels that still believe in a one-form-fits-all philosophy. We ought to do better, because we believe that our words and abilities don’t define us, but our actions do. This is how the brand, ‘LABLE>’ was born. These are clothes designed to empower, crafted to be accessible, easy to wear, and open up new opportunities of freedom for those who led lives of dependence thus far. The designs are universal but they have adaptive capabilities embedded into everyday clothing.”

The recent launch event for Lable> was in itself a change, with performance poetry articulated by persons with disabilities followed by a panel discussion addressing many issues including, Distinction between pity and empathy, Shame versus stigma surrounding disabilities, Working with a disability, How clothes are perceived around disability, How assumptions around disability lead to discrimination and The importance of communication when it comes to disability. “Our aim is to change the terminology around disabilities and shift the narrative to empower disability and diversity, thereby ensuring inclusivity,” Vitarana continued.

The Lable> team is made up of thought leaders who are a specialized team across strategic business units in design, pattern making, sourcing, product development, marketing, consumer research consultants and medical experts. The products have been co-created and tested with over 450 MAS-employed persons with disabilities, the Sri Lankan Paralympic Team and the company’s growing US Consumer Group made up of persons with disabilities.

MAS Holdings – the holding company of Twinery – Innovations by MAS is the largest apparel-tech company in South Asia and is a leading concept-to-delivery solutions provider in apparel and textile manufacturing for some of the world’s leading brands. The company has for over three decades expanded its capabilities to include the manufacture of materials and components required to build an innovative and vertically integrated supply chain. This was accomplished by partnering with industry leaders in their respective domains, to bring in the knowledge and expertise required. Twinery, the innovations arm of MAS, was recognized by Fast Company as the 18^th best workplaces for innovators in the world in 2022.

“Our MAS ecosystem allows us to create adaptive clothing that’s inclusive and accessible. From concept to store, our design, intellectual property, consumer testing and validation, manufacturing services and beyond, enables clothing labels across the world to cater to anyone with a permanent disability or temporary setback, so that they could snap, pull and zip into a new world of possibilities all on their own terms,” Ferdinando added.

February 2, 2023

February 1^st, 2023: MAS Holdings, South Asia’s largest apparel tech manufacturer, has once again partnered with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) as the official clothing sponsor for the women’s cricket team for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, scheduled to be held in South Africa in February.

MAS first started making jerseys for the women’s cricket team in 2007-2008 and has held the title of official clothing sponsor for the team for over a decade since 2012. Over the years, MAS has continued to support women’s cricket and female cricketers in Sri Lanka and was named the team sponsor for the women’s cricket team between 2008 and 2010.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Marketing and Business Development Director at MAS Active, Amrah Akbar said, “Over the years, we have maintained a strong partnership with SLC, introducing new and improved products that meet the changing requirements of the teams. It is indeed a privilege to support our national women’s cricket team once again, providing them with advanced performance wear, made using the same innovative features and technology we do for the men’s jerseys.”

The jersey is designed and developed at MAS Active (Pvt) Ltd., where body mapping technology is used to identify heat and perspiration zones in the human body. Based on this research, the material is engineered with variable levels of ventilation and high absorbency. The material is developed to suit the environmental conditions of the playing field including the temperature and weather patterns in South Africa, to prevent discomfort during the game and elevate the player’s performance. This is enabled through wicking and moisture management technologies applied to lightweight, stretchable, breathable fabric, that are tailored to maintain the right fit and comfort.

“We are truly excited and wish the best of luck to our women’s team. It is an honour to support them on their journey to victory,” added Amrah Akbar. Further, stressing the importance of what this means for women in Sri Lanka, Director Corporate Affair at MAS, Rajitha Jayasuriya said, “empowering women whether on the production floor or in other diverse professions is a continuous effort we make. We hope to encourage young girls and women to discover their potential in these fields.”

Commenting on MAS’ overall support for Sri Lanka’s national sporting teams, Rajitha Jayasuriya added “Through our initiatives in supporting sports, we have been able to offer support for Sri Lanka’s female Paralympians and our female athletes training for the 2024 Paris Olympics.”

January 23, 2023

Colombo, 20th January 2023: MAS Amity Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of MAS Holdings, signed a Joint Venture Agreement with Tata Group’s Trent Ltd, setting up an entity in India for the joint development of business into intimate wear and other apparel related products.

Over time, MAS and Trent would pool their domain expertise to undertake design, development and manufacturing of a range of intimate wear and other apparel products. Initially, the joint venture would facilitate design and sourcing of related products.

Speaking on the occasion, Desamanya Mahesh Amalean, Chairman, MAS Holdings (Pvt) Ltd. said, “The significance of our partnership with Tata lies in our shared sense of values and an appreciation of the enormous business opportunities that the Indian market affords. This JVA will help leverage our combined capabilities, connecting MAS’ expertise in product creation and manufacturing with Tata Trent’s expertise in Indian retail. This partnership further aligns with MAS’ long-term intent to scale business and expand our presence in India.”

Mr. Noel N Tata, Chairman, Trent Limited said, “We see significant opportunities to leverage the growing reach of our brands to build a differentiated proposition in lingerie, activewear and related categories. MAS brings impeccable capabilities and track record in the manufacture of high-quality products in this space. This collaboration between Trent and MAS would deepen Trent’s strategic commitment to offer fully owned brands at its retail stores and enable MAS to expand their international presence further. We are excited at the prospects of leveraging our joint synergies and deliver greater value to our customers.”

Older Posts

Femography by MAS combats period poverty with donation of over 10,000 reusable period wear products

Celebrating a 17 Year legacy of Education, Adaptation, and Resilience with MAS Eco Go Beyond

99x and MAS Foundation for Change install Ocean Strainer to address plastic pollution

MAS Celebrates New Generation of Changemakers at Eco Go Beyond 2023 Awards Ceremony

‘Lable’ by MAS Redefines Societal Understanding with ‘9 nine නවය ஒன்பது’ Exhibition on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Driving sustainable industrial transformation – MAS completes phase II of Project Photon

“We need to push society to be more inclusive of persons with disabilities”

MAS partners SLC as official clothing sponsor for 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup

MAS announces a Joint Venture with the Tata Group’s Trent Ltd. in India