Business
Teejay Lanka achieves 81% emission reduction from sludge disposal
Sri Lanka’s largest textile manufacturer Teejay Lanka PLC has announced the achievement of an 81 per cent reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from the disposal of sludge waste, after one year of sustained operation of industry best practices.
This milestone in eco-friendly waste disposal was made possible by the investment of US$ 450,000 (approximately Rs 90 million at current exchange rates) in a steam-powered sludge dryer at Teejay’s factory at the Seethawaka Export Processing Zone (EPZ) that enables the Company to convert a daily output of wet sludge into dry powder which is then incinerated at a cement manufacturing facility.
Working with Sri Lanka’s pioneer cement manufacturer in this process, Teejay Lanka had eliminated an independently-verified 1,744.57 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions (tCO2e) from Nov 1, 2020 to July 31, 2021, which translates to an annual emissions reduction of 2,326.09 tCO2e.
The Sustainable Future Group (SFG), which was appointed by Teejay Lanka to verify the reduction of Greenhouse Gas emissions from the switch in the Company’s sludge waste disposal method has issued an Independent Greenhouse Gas Verification Statement covering the first nine months of the sludge drying and incineration procedure, using auditing practices as specified in the ISO 14064-3:2019 Standard.
“Sustainability will always be one of our top priorities, and we are delighted that we are disposing of solid waste in a 100% sustainable manner,” Teejay Lanka CEO Mr Pubudu De Silva said. “We have installed the largest steam operated paddle dryer in Sri Lanka in a demonstration of our commitment to best practices in the industrial context, and we continue to look for ways to minimise the ecological footprint of our operations.”
Wet sludge is generated from the wastewater pre-treatment process of Teejay Lanka. Prior to the switch in the disposal method, significant Greenhouse Gas emissions occurred from disposal of the sludge. The gases included Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydro fluorocarbons (HFCs), sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs).
The sludge dryer installed at the Teejay Lanka manufacturing complex at Block D8-D14 of the Seethawaka Export Processing Zone in Avissawella occupies an area of 200 square meters (more than 2,150 square feet) and is capable of drying up to 12 tons of wet sludge per day. It uses excess steam available from the Company’s manufacturing process.
The first textile manufacturer in Sri Lanka to receive membership of the US Cotton Trust Protocol, Teejay Lanka has been adjudged the Best Textile Exporter in the country at the Presidential Export Awards presented by the Export Development Board (EDB) and has been named among the 100 Most Respected Companies in Sri Lanka by LMD.
An ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and OHSAS 18001:2007 compliant company and the first in the industry to develop green fabric, Teejay has been listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) since 2011 and was included in the S&P Top 20 Index in Sri Lanka. The Company has also been named among the Forbes ‘200 Best under a Billion in Asia’ and been recognised as the ‘International Textile Firm of the Year’ and the ‘International Dyer and Finisher’ by World Textile Institute, London.
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.”


