Six Sri Lankan companies win German recognition for their extraordinary sustainability commitment

= Achievement is important as advanced markets are enacting laws related to supply chains

By Sanath Nanayakkare

The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in Sri Lanka recently held The ‘Sustainability Awards 2022’ initiative at Jetwing Colombo 7.

The two German organizations recognized six Sri Lankan companies that had made considerable progress in sustainability in supply chains and due diligence in business as part of their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.

This event was particularly important in the context of several governments enacting laws that mandate some form of due diligence or, at a minimum, awareness into supply chains.

For example, the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act that will come into force this upcoming 1st of January 2023. Companies around the world are changing the way they view their supply chain and are requiring greater due diligence measures to uphold human rights. This makes it necessary for SMEs and corporates alike in Sri Lanka to embark and drive sustainability and due diligence within their supply chains.

The evaluation criteria for the award show were developed to reflect pertinent factors and the current focu Over 71 companies making Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) progress a core part of its operations with the goal of making a lasting impact on the health of the planet had submitted their nominations for the award.s in relation to existing and forthcoming due diligence legislatives.

Four thematic areas such as the holistic approach to sustainability, visionary leadership relating to sustainability, innovative capability, and resistance to external factors were taken into consideration when evaluating the range of applications. The winners spanned across the agriculture, textile, and tourism sectors, with 2 award types per sector. Six organizations and individuals were recognized as trailblazers, who are leading the way in Sri Lanka’s transition to a sustainable economy.

Within the framework of the joint project of AHK Sri Lanka and Friedrich Naumann Foundation, the following companies were awarded for their extraordinary sustainability commitment in the subsequent categories: Elpitiya Plantations PLC (Agriculture sector – Large Enterprise), Starch Fruits & Beverages Pvt Ltd (Agriculture sector – SME), Stretchline (Private) Limited (Textile sector – Large Enterprise), Selyn Exporters Pvt Ltd (also known as Selyn Textiles) (Textile sector – SME), Saraii Pvt Limited (Tourism sector – Hotel and accommodation providers), Aitken Spence Travels Pvt Ltd (Tourism sector – Tour operators and DMCs).

Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC (DIMO), Horana Plantations PLC, Gralgo from Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd, Hint Nuwara Eliya (Pvt) Ltd, Sensa Solutions Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Onivja Global Research (Pvt) Ltd, Teardrop Hotels, Uga Escapes Management (Pvt) Ltd, Summer Explorers (Pvt) Ltd and Walkers Tours Limited were among the shortlisted companies for the Sustainability Awards 2022.