Business
Elpitiya Plantations recognised for best sustainability project ‘Go Green and Beyond’
Elpitiya Plantations PLC (EPP) was recognised for their ‘Go Green and Beyond’ initiative as one of the best sustainability projects at the prestigious Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Award 2021 organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
The project was launched in 2018/19 and is an integral part of EPP’s integrated approach to manage its environmental impact, energy and water footprints in building a climate-resilient business model. The initiative aims to simultaneously reduce the company’s vulnerability to accelerating climate change while reducing its environmental footprint and preserving natural resources for future generations.
The project consists of three main pillars namely: renewable energy, water and biodiversity with clearly defined action plans, goals, KPIs and outcomes. Furthermore, this is an integral part of Elpitiya Plantations holistic sustainability strategy, which centers on the achievement of six long-term environmental, social and economic aspirations, which are aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals namely, SDG 6- Clean water and sanitation, SDG 7- Affordable and clean energy, SDG 8- Decent work and economic growth, SDG 9- Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure, SDG 15- Life on Land and SDG 17- Partnerships for the goals.
Key developments of Project Go Green and Beyond include increasing reliance on renewable energy through solar PV rooftop systems and sustainable biomass for thermal energy demand, expanding rainwater harvesting, development of stream reservation, watersheds land extent in the estates and enriching the quality of soil by increasing soil carbon level and preserving biodiversity by reducing the application of chemical fertilizer and agrochemicals like weedicides and pesticides.
Through these initiatives Elpitiya Plantations has achieved ‘carbon negative’ status in its electrical energy consumption through 95% reliance on its overall renewable energy, thereby offsetting over 15,000 tonsCO2e in 2020/21. The Group is also 89% reliant on rainwater for their water use, significantly reducing the extraction of freshwater. The company has also increased its green cover by 5% and achieved a reduction of 32% and 71% in chemical pest and weed control, respectively.
Commenting on this win, Dr. Rohan Fernando Managing Director of Elpitiya Plantations PLC said, “Elpitiya Plantations has continuously adopted sustainable agricultural practices in our daily operations where all aspects of environmental health, economic profitability and social responsibility are given equal importance. We will continue to make a positive contribution to the society, planet and economy through our sustainable business practices”.
Managed by Aitken Spence Plantation Managements PLC since 1997, Elpitiya Plantations PLC owns 13 estates and 17 factories producing tea and other diversified crops. The company embarked on producing four types of berries in Sri Lanka, providing these berries to local consumers with a lower carbon footprint, with strawberries currently in commercialization.
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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