Business
Elpitiya Plantations among the Top 10 Best Corporate Citizens at the Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards 2022
Elpitiya Plantations PLC (EPP), the leading plantation company in Sri Lanka, for the first time was recognized among the Ten Best Corporate Citizens award and competing among other larger corporate giants. Competing among other larger corporate giants, the company secured o5 awards at the Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Award 2022. Its leadership and commitment towards sustainability, good governance, and corporate excellence have paved their journey to receive these multiple awards.
The other awards include – Winner Triple bottom line award – Environment, 2nd Runner up sustainability award in Category B (below LKR 15 Bn) and 02 awards for Best sustainability project winners for Project- ‘Living Green Soil’ for the holistic approach toward environmental sustainability reducing GHG emission by reducing using of chemical fertilizers and agrochemicals and improving of soil carbon % with the application of organic compost. The other project award ‘Ready to be Ready’ on the social sustainability for the plantation community supporting their livelihoods during pandemic and current economic crisis ensuring their food security and facilitating to maintain good health condition.
Commenting on this achievement, Dr. Rohan Fernando – Managing Director of Elpitiya Plantations, said “We are extremely grateful to be recognized at this prestigious awarding platform as it emphasizes our conscious efforts in sustainability.’
We are committed to reach higher benchmarks in our sustainability journey and this is only just the beginning”. Mr. Bhathiya Bulumulla – Director/ CEO of Elpitiya Plantations PLC also commented, “Elpitiya Plantations has been continually adapting and improving sustainable business practices in our daily operations where all aspects of environmental health, economic sustainability and social responsibility are given equal importance”.
Sustainability has been a core element of the company’s business strategy and even during the recent challenging pandemic and economic environment, EPP has shown its resilience recording its highest-ever profit in the company’s history. Furthermore, EPP celebrated their silver jubilee in 2022 and theses awards marks another milestone in the company’s sustainability journey.
These accolades are a further testimony to the company’s sustainable journey making it one of the most sustainable plantation companies in Sri Lanka with its holistic sustainable strategy. This focuses on achievement of six long term environmental, social, and economic aspirations that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals namely SDG-06- Clean water and sanitation, SDG-07 Renewable energy generation and consumption, SDG-08- Economic growth and Youth empowerment, SDG-09- Industry Innovation and Infrastructure development, SDG-15- Life on land andSDG-17 Partnership for Goals.
EPP has invested in emission controls specially with their efforts in renewable energy generation with hydro and solar recording over 141% above their annual electricity consumption, sourcing sustainable thermal energy with biomass by planting bamboo to be self-sufficient in thermal energy demand and incorporating organic compost over 04 million kgs annually to improve soil organic matter while systematically bring down chemical fertilizer which is the highest GHG emitter in the industry and the carbon footprint.
Also, EPP is researching on adopting mitigating climate impact of rainfall on their efforts in rainwater harvesting over 254 million liters annually to recharge the soil to retain the moisture during the dry periods.
The visionary leadership of the top management of EPP, guidance on sustainability strategy from the expert in the field Dr. Ravi Fernando and well executed by the sustainability team has made EPP a trailblazer in the plantation industry with the continuing wining trend.EPP also recorded its highest profits in the last season and celebrated 25th anniversary in this year while improving the living standard of its community, employees and all stakeholders.
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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