News
NCPC awards Carbon Neutral certification to Ex-Pack Corrugated Cartons PLC
Ex-Pack Corrugated Cartons PLC, a corrugated cartons manufacturer in Sri Lanka delivering end-to-end packaging solutions to both local and international clientele, and a subsidiary of Aberdeen Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, was recently awarded the Carbon Neutral certificate, upon successfully neutralizing its total Greenhouse Gas emission, a press release said.It said: Ex-Pack’s sustainable practices were captured comprehensively throughout the process, with organizational-wide assessments related to energy and water consumption, waste management, transportation, among others of the organization.
The verification of GHG assessments were conducted by the National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC), where co-energi, a building engineering services consultancy company specializing in green building, MEP design consultancy and carbon neutral consultancy, together in partnership with Ex-Pack, calculated the GHG emissions and guided the pathway in achieving Carbon Neutrality. Ex-Pack joined hands with co-energi during October last year, to strengthen its position in addressing the many challenges in climate change and global warming.
This achievement is truly remarkable considering the nature of its sector, which utilizes heavy machinery. ‘This important milestone speaks volumes of our intentions and activities in being responsible towards the environment which has always been a core belief at Ex-Pack. It is more of an obligation than merely compliance to us. We will continue to engage with co-energi, NCPC and many other industry stakeholders in our journey towards sustainability’’ said Chairman Sattar Kassim.
The Carbon Neutral status follows months and years of hardwork and commitment through diverse programs focused on offsetting its impact on the ecology. The support from co-energi is of a great asset, drawing on its 12 plus years of experience in designing highly efficient AC systems, rooftop solar designs, energy audits, MEP designs, retro fittings and being instrumental in achieving over 14 LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Ex-Pack Corrugated Cartons PLC is also ranked consecutively among Best Workplaces in Asia and Best Workplaces in Sri Lanka. Earlier this year, the company celebrated 25 years of providing some of the most innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. The company is certified with ISO 9001-2015, ISO 14001-2015, FSC COC, WRAP certifications, including numerous recognitions at the NCE Export Awards, CNCI Awards, Lanka Star Awards, NBE Awards, Lanka CSR Awards and Green Awards.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo welcomed the U.S. Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Stephen Howard and Astou Ndiaye, from June 8 through 14.
The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy said that it would launch a weeklong basketball program intended to harness the unifying power of sports, made possible through collaboration with Foundation of Goodness and IImpact Hoop Lab.
While in Sri Lanka, Howard and Ndiaye, both retired professional basketball players, will conduct a weeklong program, Hoops for Hope: Bridging Borders through Basketball. The Sports Envoys will lead basketball clinics and exhibition matches and engage in leadership sessions in Colombo and Southern Province for youth aged 14-18 from Northern, Uva, Eastern and Western Provinces, offering skills and leadership training both on and off the court. The U.S. Envoys will also share their expertise with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, national coaches, and players, furthering the development of basketball in the country. Beyond the clinics, they will collaborate with Sri Lankan schoolchildren to take part in a community service project in the Colombo area.
“We are so proud to welcome Stephen and Astou as our Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, to build on the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “The lessons that will be shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace. The U.S. Sports Envoy program is a testament to our belief that sports can be a powerful tool in promoting peace and unity.”
SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman in parliament demanded to know from the government the reasons for CEB suspending the leave of all its employees until further notice from Thursday.
MP Rahuman said that the CEB has got an acting General Manager anew and the latter yesterday morning issued a circular suspending leave of all CEB employees with immediate effect until further notice.
“We demand that Minister Kanchana Wijesekera should explain this to the House. This circular was issued while this debate on the new Electricity Amendment Bill was pending. There are many who oppose this Bill. The Minister must tell parliament the reason for the urge to cancel the leave of CEB employees,” the MP said.However, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena prevented Minister Wijesekera responding to the query and said that the matter raised by MP Rahuman was not relevant.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) successfully concluded the 8th Annual CIPM Symposium, which took place on 31st May 2024. Themed “Nurturing the Human Element—Redefining HRM in a Rapidly Changing World,” the symposium underscored the pivotal role of human resource management (HRM) in today’s dynamic global landscape. Since its inception in 1959, CIPM has been dedicated to advancing the HR profession through education, professional development, and advocacy, solidifying its position as Sri Lanka’s leading professional body for HRM.
Ken Vijayakumar, the President of the CIPM, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The symposium commenced with the welcome address by the Chairperson, Prof. Arosha Adikaram, followed by the Web Launch of the Symposium Proceedings and Abstract Book by the CIPM President. The event featured distinguished addresses, including a speech by Chief Guest Ken Vijayakumar, President of CIPM, and an address by Guest of Honor Shakthi Ranatunga, Chief Operating Officer of MAS Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka.
The symposium also featured an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Mario Fernando, Professor of Management and Director of the Centre for Cross Cultural Management (CCCM) at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
Vote of Thanks of the inauguration session was delivered by Dr. Dillanjani Weeratunga, Symposium Co-chair.
The symposium served as a comprehensive platform for researchers to present their findings across a wide range of critical topics in HRM. These included Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Development and Retention, Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility, Adapting to Technological Advancements, Mental Health and Well-being at Work, Global Workforce Challenges, Employee Empowerment, and Reskilling and Upskilling.
The plenary session was led by Prof. Wasantha Rajapakse. Certificates were awarded to the best paper presenters during the valedictory session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Kamani Perera, Manager of Research and Development.
The annual symposium of CIPM was a truly inclusive event, attracting a diverse audience that spanned undergraduates, graduates, working professionals, research scholars and lecturers. This widespread interest highlights the symposium’s significance in the field of HRM, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to network and learn from scholarly brains.The CIPM International Research Symposium was sponsored by Hambantota International Port, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), E B Creasy & Co. PLC, and Print Xcel Company.
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
