Business
‘Enriching the fabric of community’ – a short film on Brandix produced by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions
The Brandix apparel manufacturing facility in Batticaloa is the theme of a recently released short film titled ‘Enriching the fabric of community’, produced for Brandix by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions. This film is part of the ‘Building a Better Future’ series, presented by the World Green Building Council and explores the profound effect buildings have on the quality of people’s lives and the role the green buildings movement plays in tackling climate change.
Brandix Essentials, Batticaloa achieved the status of the World’s 1st Net Zero Carbon certified apparel manufacturing facility in 2019, signifying that this factory eliminated its negative environmental impact through emission reduction, thereby playing its part to challenge climate change. This factory is also rated Platinum in the prominently recognised Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System programme of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Brandix understands the need for not only environmental, but also, social sustainability to ensure truly transformative change across the apparel industry. The company has implemented multiple ‘Care for Our Own’ community programmes to ensure access to clean drinking water for employees and others in the community, toward leading healthier lives. At present, over 4,500 families benefit from access to clean drinking water, with other beneficiaries including institutions such as schools and hospitals.
“At Brandix we believe in an integrated approach of embedding sustainability in every aspect of our operation – care for our planet and the communities in which we operate in is at the heart of everything we do.” says Ashroff Omar, Group Chief Executive Officer. “The fashion industry has experienced a noticeable shift in perception in recent years, with research indicating it is a significant polluter. Our sustainability journey began over a decade ago to consistently stay at the forefront of efforts to adopt best practices for environmentally and socially sustainable manufacturing. Green buildings such as our facility in Batticaloa exemplify this. It enables us to preserve the environment, rather than harm, while also ensuring a healthy and productive atmosphere for all our employees.”
The short film “Enriching the fabric of community” produced for Brandix by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions, tells the remarkable tale of the factory in Batticaloa that proves as a benchmark for a green building that is 100% powered by solar energy, recycles or reuses all waste, and has highly efficient water systems in place. The materials used in construction minimise heat gain of the building, and the rich biodiversity around the facility allows for a comfortable work environment that improves the overall wellbeing of employees. Through the lens of a Brandix employee – Sutharshini, the film takes the viewer through challenges she faced in her personal life, and how the efforts of Brandix have eased the issues.
“Enriching the fabric of community” can be viewed on all Brandix social media platforms across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Brandix has committed to the World Green Building Council that all factories located in Sri Lanka, under the company’s direct control, will achieve Net Zero Carbon status by 2023. Brandix hopes that this short film, will inspire more organisations to join hands and stitch sustainability and care for the community, into the very fabric of business.
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
