Business
Litro Gas receives ISO 45001: 2018 for Occupational Health and Safety
Litro Gas has always been conscious of their national responsibility as the country’s industry leader in the LPG sector. For the company, safety and health are key elements that are prioritized across its multi-channel operation. This gives further impetus to its unique positioning as a state owned entity which has strong partnership with the private sector channel partners.
In recognition of its outstanding commitment to occupational health & safety, Litro Gas was recently awarded ISO 45001: 2018 by the International Organization for Standardization of Geneva, Switzerland. This affirms compliance with the globally ratified occupational health and safety management systems recognized as the industry standard worldwide.
In 2018, Litro Gas was awarded the ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certification for its effective Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) management system.
“Safety forms the cornerstone of our entire operation”, says Anil Koswatte, Chairman and CEO of Litro Gas Lanka Ltd. and Litro Gas Terminal Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. “We uphold the highest quality standards across all our systems which is paramount to what we do. Safety in fact forms the very core of our operations, ensuring a seamless delivery of quality to our consumers.”
Litro Gas believes that their newest standards affirmation reinforces the Company’s consistent processes of ensuring industry specific and globally accepted Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) management systems that assure the safety of its employees, customers and the entire community.
“We have in place a world-class risk assessment control system that assures the safeguarding of our people, the environment, our assets and the interests of our stakeholders. With ISO 45001:2018, we have enhanced this process, adding more value to our business”, he adds.
Commenting on the award, Mr. Jayantha Basnayake, Director – Health, Safety & Environment at Litro Gas says that this recognition reiterates the safety protocols deployed by the Company in meeting the highest possible safety and health standards. “Operating as we do in the energy sector, safety and health are considered key elements. The LPG industry is based on observing multi standard procedures that are implemented under stringent guidelines set by global and local LPG industry standards and practices and governing laws.”
Having been recently feted with the SLS 1672:2020 COVID-19 safety compliant standards by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution, Litro Gas upholds the unique level of service delivered seamlessly to customers through the pandemic, says Basnayake. “We understand the importance of managing our operations to meet the highest possible standards while ensuring a sustainable presence within the wider social and environmental context. The Company constantly focuses on continually training all the channel members, bulk and commercial customers on LPG related safety rules, regulations and processes”, he adds.
In recognition of its exceptional commitment towards maintaining optimum health, safety and environment systems, Litro Gas became the first Company in the Oil and Gas sector to be feted with the All island Overall Excellence Bronze Award at the National Occupational Safety and Health Excellence Awards, 2018.
Litro Gas operates one of Asia’s leading and most efficient LPG storage facilities at Kerawalapitiya and Hambantota. An island-wide network of 37 distributors, approximately 1,500 home delivery hubs and 11,000 points-of-sale locations power the Company’s reach throughout the country.
Litro Gas leads the LPG market in Sri Lanka with a 75% market share and a turnover of Rs. 45 billion. The majority of shares in Litro Gas are owned by the General Treasury through the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, yet Litro Gas is managed as a unique corporate enterprise, making the Company an exceptional entity in the business world.
The Company views the ISO certification as a key component in their drive towards creating greater significance and sustainability. “Sustainability is a crucial factor that drives every aspect of our operation – it adds value to our supply chain, our stakeholders, our employees, our key stakeholders and the community at large.” Basnayake says in conclusion.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”