Business
The Supply Chain is as strong as its weakest link: The business case for Sustainable Supply Chains and Ethical Sourcing
The UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka’s Working Group on Sustainable Supply Chain hosted its first webinar on April 29, 2021, titled “Transforming Supply Chain Sustainability through Ethical Sourcing”. This webinar brought together Supply Chain experts from Sri Lanka, Singapore and Spain, a news release connected to the event said.
The keynote address was given by the Chairman of Network Sri Lanka and CEO of Dilmah Tea, Dilhan C. Fernando. The esteemed panel members were Matt Kovac, Executive Director, Food Industry Asia (FIA – Singapore), Helena Orella Salinas, Sustainable Development Manager, Bolton Food (Spain), Sonali Peiris – Head of Sustainability, Enterprise Risk Management & Group Initiatives, John Keells Holdings (JKH). The Panel was moderated by Thamindri De Silva, General Manager, MJF Charitable Foundation and Steering Committee Member, UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka
The release added:
“This session highlighted the importance of incorporating ethical sourcing practices into the sustainability of the supply chains in today’s fast-paced and dynamic business world. While the business case for making a shift is sound, it is imperative that companies create long-term strategies to incorporate environmental, social and corporate governance as a means of generating profit and holding themselves accountable for people and planet.
“Ethical sourcing symbolises company-wide efforts to meet industry standards and conforming with regulations, that should be considered as an opportunity to generate profit rather than a business expense. Consumers have become sensitised to the impact products have on the environment and human rights. Therefore, it is critical that companies create key partnerships with NGOs and international standard setting bodies to hold their company accountable and ensure their resources are sourced in a safe and sustainable manner.
“Technology plays an important role as it promotes transparency in the supply chain. As supply chains evolve over time and are exposed to external shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, technology enables companies to use programmes that can access supplier frameworks remotely and provide assistance when necessary.
“As the Chairman of Network Sri Lanka and CEO of Dilmah Tea, Dilhan C. Fernando said, “Human actions have produced a situation that needs to change for the sake of future generations” pushing companies to make the shift towards ethical sourcing in their supply chains and leading to sustainability as a business strategy.”
The UN Global Compact is a special initiative of the UN Secretary-General, the Global Compact is a call to companies everywhere to align their operations and strategies with Ten Principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
The Webinar can be viewed on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nHAep-d7Wgc
For more information, please follow @globalcompactnetworksrilanka on social media and visit our website at ungcsl.org
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
