Business
What are leading names in Sri Lankan industries doing to decarbonize?
World Environment Day should drive focus on decarbonisation of Sri Lankan industries
By Jagathdeva Vidanagama PhD
Sri Lanka’s Energy Savers are industry leaders and energy practitioners who are determined to help the country slash energy waste and greenhouse gas emissions. They explain what they are doing to decarbonize Sri Lankan industries and why the time to act is now.
Mendaka Hettithanthri, Engineering Manager at Teejay Lanka, one of Southeast Asia’s largest fabric manufacturers, says the changing climate is a sure sign that industry must do more to lower its carbon emissions.
“You can already see how global warming is affecting Sri Lankans. We are an agricultural country … and the farmers used to know exactly when to harvest the crops and when to replant. Now the weather patterns are completely messed up.”
Nisal Liyanage, Manager of Group Compliance at leading Sri Lankan engineering company Hayleys Fentons Group, says there are also many business benefits to decarbonization, such as production cost savings: “We would see reduced greenhouse gas emissions and the potential for greater energy independence for us as a country.”
“We are further incentivized by our foreign customers,” adds Mohomad Arshad, Environment, Health and Safety Manager at fabric manufacturer Hayleys Fabric. “Compliance with international controls and requirements related to green practices are essential for remaining competitive in the global market.”
Sharing knowledge
More knowledge is needed to help companies fully realize the potential of energy efficiency, says Nadeera Ramanayake, Assistant Director of Planning at Industrial Development Board of Ceylon.
She welcomes a new 12-month initiative spearheaded by United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the National Cleaner Production Centre Sri Lanka with support from the European Union. They are guiding a first group of 70 Energy Savers through an internationally recognized course on Energy Management Systems.
“Amidst the current energy crisis in the country, I thought that joining a project like this and getting knowledge is vital,” says Nadeera.
Changing behaviour
Damitha Sandanayaka, Energy Management Officer at Colombo Dockyard, says cutting energy waste requires new ways of acting at all levels of a business.
“I strongly believe that changing human behaviour is the key to improving energy efficiency, which is why training and awareness have become fundamental to our organization. We conduct regular training … [and] we also initiated Energy Management Week… This promotes awareness on the importance of energy management and encourages teams to work together to achieve energy efficiency goals.”
Making the switch to clean energy
Cutting energy waste often helps manufacturing companies better understand their energy use, creating a solid foundation upon which to build effective renewable energy solutions.
Asanka Manoj, Senior Manager of Production and Facility Maintenance at Flintec Transducers, describes how installing rooftop solar panels on the company’s plants cut daytime energy use by 65 to 70 per cent. This, coupled with energy efficiency measures, has helped Flintec significantly reduce energy costs and emissions.
But a number of Energy Savers caution against looking for a “magic bullet” to decarbonization. Rather, multiple solutions that use a variety of energy optimization and clean energy technologies are needed.
“[We need to take] a holistic approach,” says K. H. Thanushka at Watawala Plantations. “[That’s how] to unlock this potential and create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.”
The writer is a specialist in climate change mitigation in industry and is Chief Technical Specialist for the Accelerating Industries Climate Response project in Sri Lanka implemented by UNIDO.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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