COLOMBO, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan export revenue from the footwear and leather industry surged by 300 percent over the past decade between 2008 and 2018, a statement from the Industry and Commerce Ministry here said on Monday.

The statement said the export revenue increased 119 million U.S. dollars in 2018, and there were around 300,000 persons employed in this industry.

According to the statement, 48 percent of export revenue came from Vietnam and 16 percent from Britain in 2018.

President of Sri Lanka Footwear and Leather Products Manufacturers Association, P.G.D. Nimalasiri said the Industry and Commerce Ministry did a great service to the footwear and leather sector by introducing anti-dumping regulations.

He said the interests of the local manufacturers were safeguarded in this manner.

"The footwear and leather products industry has great potential to be achieved in the years to come," Nimalasiri added.