NEW YORK, USA, Aug 6, 2025 (ePRESS) – Global exhibition giant CEMS-Global USA has strongly criticised recent promotional claims made by the organisers of Intex Sri Lanka 2025, warning that the misleading information could damage trust and confuse stakeholders in Sri Lanka’s respected textile and garment sector.
In a statement issued from its New York headquarters, CEMS-Global USA, which has been organising textile exhibitions in Sri Lanka since 2010, expressed deep concern over the “misrepresentation” in Intex Sri Lanka’s marketing materials.
CEMS-Global said it was puzzled by the claim that Intex 2025 would be the “17th edition”, as its own well-established Textile Series – launched after entering the Sri Lankan market in June 2009 – is set to host its 15th edition only in 2026.
“How can another event claim to be in its 17th edition ahead of us, when we have been in this market since 2010?” the company asked, urging event organisers and the media to ensure facts are clearly verified.
Another major concern raised was the listing of “2,500 exhibitors” on Intex Sri Lanka’s official website. CEMS-Global noted this number is “highly unrealistic” given the limited size and capacity of Colombo’s exhibition venues.
“Intex is also promoting itself as the ‘biggest exhibition in South Asia’, which is quite misleading,” the statement said. “Our Bangladesh edition, now in its 24th year and hosting over 1,400 manufacturers annually, has never made such a claim – despite being far more established in the region.”
S. S. Sarwar, Group CEO of CEMS-Global USA, called the situation “unfortunate”, stressing the need for honesty and clarity in promoting events in the textile and apparel sector.
“We are saddened to see such misinformation in the market. This is not healthy for the industry. Trust, transparency, and factual representation are essential to protect Sri Lanka’s international reputation,” he said.
CEMS-Global USA said it remained committed to fair competition and welcomed all efforts that support the industry. However, it called on industry stakeholders, associations, and the media to check facts before publishing claims that could damage the sector’s credibility.
“We must work together to uphold the integrity of Sri Lanka’s textile and apparel industry,” the company concluded.
