An innovator and leader redefining sustainability in the global fashion industry, Dr. Thiwanka De Fonseka holds a pivotal role. As the Director of Sustainability at U.S.-based KOMAR, a brand with over 115 years of history, Dr. De Fonseka is the only Sri Lankan to lead the company’s sustainability division and a trailblazer in this field. He is the only Sri Lankan to lead the sustainability division of a US or EU/UK apparel brand.
Dr. De Fonseka’s journey to becoming a global leader in sustainability is marked by relentless dedication and academic excellence. Holding dual bachelor’s degrees in Applied Science—specifically in Forestry and Environmental Science from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura—and Chemistry from the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, he began his career as a Sustainability Executive at MAS Intimates in 2016. Despite receiving an opportunity to pursue a full-time PhD in Australia with a full scholarship, he chose to stay in Sri Lanka, inspired by familial values and a commitment to creating change at home.
During his tenure at MAS, Dr. De Fonseka spearheaded environmental and chemical sustainability projects across multiple facilities, gaining invaluable experience in stakeholder management and manufacturing sustainability. While working full-time, he pursued an MBA in Business Administration from London Metropolitan University and an MSc in Environmental Management from the University of Colombo, completing both simultaneously.
In 2021, he was recruited by Marks & Spencer (M&S) as the Head of Sustainability for Sri Lanka, becoming the first Sri Lankan to hold this position. “That was one of the high points of my career,” he said. “It enabled me to appreciate the nuances of sustainability across suppliers at various levels of maturity.” During his tenure at M&S, he also began his second MSc in Project Management at Asia e University in Malaysia and his Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) in Sustainability at Vern University in Croatia.
Dr. De Fonseka further honed his expertise during his time at The ZDHC Foundation, also known as Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals. As the first Technical Manager of its Water Competence Center, he collaborated with global brands to tackle complex sustainability challenges relevant to water and wastewater. In October 2023, he achieved a career milestone by being appointed as the Director of Sustainability at KOMAR, fulfilling his dream of leading sustainability for a reputed U.S. brand. At the same time, he completed his Doctorate at the Vern University Croatia with three publications and achieved his academic pinnacle at the age of 32.
Inspiration Behind a Noble Cause
“For me, sustainability is a noble cause rather than just a job,” says Dr. De Fonseka. His passion was ignited during his university studies in environmental science. This zeal deepened during his first role at MAS Intimates, where he witnessed the environmental impact of the fashion industry firsthand. “Fashion is considered the second most polluting industry after oil. My work is a mission to protect the environment for future generations,” he emphasizes.
Defining Milestones
Dr. De Fonseka’s career has been marked by several significant milestones, including:
- Leading environmental and chemical sustainability initiatives at MAS Intimates.
- Becoming the first Sri Lankan Head of Sustainability at Marks & Spencer (M&S), Sri Lanka sourcing office.
- Contributing to ZDHC’s Wastewater Guidelines as Technical Manager.
- Drafting and implementing KOMAR’s 2030 sustainability strategy, SUS-TEX 2030.
“I have been able to achieve both my career and academic goals by the age of 32. It has been a very humbling experience,” he says. “But this is just the beginning.”
Shaping KOMAR’s Sustainability Agenda
As Director of Sustainability, Dr. De Fonseka provides strategic leadership for KOMAR’s 2030 sustainability strategy, aligning it with business needs, customer expectations, and global legislation. The strategy is built on nine pillars categorized into two main areas: “Sustainable Product” and “Sustainable Planet.”
Under “Sustainable Product,” KOMAR focuses on sourcing sustainable raw materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Green Shirt-certified MMCF, along with implementing sustainable packaging solutions. Meanwhile, the “Sustainable Planet” pillars address energy, greenhouse gas emissions, water, wastewater, solid waste, chemicals, and biodiversity.
“To be an effective strategy, it must be actionable, not just words on paper,” says Dr. De Fonseka. “At KOMAR, we walk the talk, ensuring every initiative drives tangible results.”
Pioneering Initiatives
Dr. De Fonseka’s contributions at KOMAR include:
- Finalizing the company’s SBTi Scope 1, 2, and 3 achievement strategy.
- Launching a sustainability policy manual to guide suppliers toward KOMAR’s 2030 goals.
- Introducing ZDHC Guidelines Implementation Guidebook to support sustainable chemical management.
- Co-hosting ZDHC InConnect events in English and Mandarin, earning KOMAR recognition at the ZDHC Solutions Conference 2024.
- Speaking in multiple online and onsite fashion sustainability events as a guest speaker to spread knowledge and awareness on fashion sustainability and solutions to overcome the key challenges faced in the industry.
Overcoming Industry Challenges
“The biggest challenge in fashion sustainability is a lack of collaboration,” says Dr. De Fonseka. “Sustainability is not competition; it’s collaboration. Brands must move away from the carrot-and-stick approach and toward equitable stakeholder partnerships throughout the value chain.”
He cites other critical challenges:
- Sustainability being viewed as a cost rather than an investment.
- A focus on minimum legal compliance instead of driving continuous improvement.
- Greenwashing or making misleading sustainability claims.
- The rise of ultra-fast fashion, which exacerbates waste and unethical sourcing practices.
To address these issues, Dr. De Fonseka advocates for a paradigm shift in mindset: “Sustainability is about creating real impact through collaboration and equitable partnerships. It is the responsibility of the entire value chain. The time for change is now.”
Sri Lanka’s Role in Global Fashion Sustainability
Sri Lanka’s garment industry accounts for more than 40% of the nation’s export earnings and plays a significant role in global fashion. The country enjoys an excellent reputation for premium quality and is well-positioned to benefit from the growing demand for sustainable fashion, which is expected to reach $10.28 billion by 2026.
“Sri Lanka enjoys a competitive advantage in sustainable fashion,” Dr. De Fonseka explains. “Leveraging this, we have the opportunity to achieve significant positive environmental and economic impacts.”
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Dr. De Fonseka believes the future of sustainability in the fashion industry will be driven by transparency, innovation, and collaboration. “The future of sustainability lies in creating shared value for all stakeholders,” he concludes. “It’s not just about meeting targets but about leaving a legacy for generations to come.”
The journey of Dr. Thiwanka De Fonseka is, in itself, a powerful testimony to the transformative effect of purpose-driven leadership. Under his guidance, KOMAR’s sustainability efforts have become an inspiration not only to the fashion industry but also to anyone striving for a sustainable future.
