The world largest apparel purchasing trade show "MAGIC" has decided to open a Sri Lankan exhibition area at their next trade show next February in Las Vegas. This is the first time in 70-year history of MAGIC that 15 booths have been reserved for Sri Lanka.

Hiran Jayasinghe, now based in USA, has been appointed as MAGIC's exclusive representative for Sri Lanka. Jayasinghe, who is now in Sri Lanka for a brief period, said that this exhibition would be the ideal venue for Sri Lankan businessmen involved in the garment industry to meet up with genuine buyers.

"The four day event will be attended by over 85,000 buyers and 3,000 exhibitors from 110 countries. You meet only real buyers at MAGIC."

He said that with the garment quota system being taken off in 2004, Sri Lanka will find it very hard to survive unless steady direct buyers are found.

Jayasinghe said that since decision makers in the garment trade are meeting this would be an ideal opportunity for local entrepreneurs to tie up with new partners.

"MAGIC exhibitions over the past three decades have shown that 93% of US buyers are looking out for new overseas suppliers."

An old boy of St. Thomas College, Jayasinghe started his own IT company in Beverly Hills, California in the early 1990's. He was the Founder, President and the only Sri Lankan at the Junior Chamber of Commerce in Beverly Hills. Today he is the Chairman of this prestigious organization. He was also advisor for Michael Jackson Productions, Penthouse Publications and aerospace and entertainment companies in USA. In 1999, he set up his branch office under the name SUMMIT Corporation (Pvt.) Ltd., in Sri Lanka.