Business
Hayleys launches ‘Lifecode’: a future-driven roadmap for a better tomorrow
In a defining moment for Sri Lanka’s iconic diversified conglomerate, Hayleys commenced 2022 with the unveiling of ‘Lifecode’, an ambitious new framework that integrates Environment, Social and Governance related targets and goals into business strategy across each of its 16 business sectors.
Distilled into a single document, the Hayleys Lifecode sets out a holistic framework for driving a Group-wide call to action, anchored to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) – marking an unprecedented level of linkage between ESG targets and value creation systems. The Hayleys Lifecode includes detailed disclosures on the conglomerate’s approach to managing ESG topics, its long-term roadmap, ESG governance and risk management.
“We recognise the need to drive powerful and uncompromised ESG standards in our everyday decision making to strengthen our business strategies and risk resilience for long-term value creation. The Hayleys Lifecode is a systematic, policy-driven blueprint to address the ESG goals critical to our business and society – and encapsulates the condensed wisdom we have used to steer the Group throughout the years.
“This launch comes at a time when the strength, value, and the innovative spirit of our entire organisation has been tested and proved. It is now up to us to take the next step in defining our roadmap towards resolving sustainability issues, creating greater value and shaping a better future,” Hayleys PLC Chairman and Chief Executive Mohan Pandithage said.
“The Hayleys Lifecode was born with the intent of embedding and harmonising ESG considerations into strategic decision-making across the Group. Our Lifecode champions have been empowered to drive targets and goals defined in this document. They will support us in monitoring, measuring and managing emerging ESG risks and topics as we learn, reorient and evolve our efforts to keep our progress and outcomes relevant,” Hayleys Group Sustainability Head and Group Chief Financial Officer Choliya De Silva said.
Environmental benchmarks span goals on climate action, sustainable production and consumption, and biodiversity, including an emphasis on sustainable innovations, the potential for high circularity, and less waste. Social value creation targets are focused on community and education, the livelihoods of its smallholders and small-scale suppliers, economic growth, and decent work. Under Governance, the diversified conglomerate continues its focus on sustaining a culture of the highest integrity, transparency and ethical governance standards.
Notably, Hayleys has been a signatory to the UN Global Compact from 2007, adopting Global Reporting Initiative Guidelines in 2012 and adopting the first Code of Best Practice on Corporate Governance from 2009, in addition to being the only corporate recognised as the nation’s Best Corporate Citizen on five occasions.
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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