Business

Brandix reaffirms commitment to provide and preserve water

Published

5 years ago

2022/03/24

World Water Day 2022

This ‘World Water Day’ which falls on 22nd March, Brandix recognises the importance of providing resources for clean water and sanitation to uplift the living standards of those in the community, and also the preservation of water to face the complex challenges of global climate change.

Over a decade and a half ago, Brandix committed to providing its employees and their families with access to clean water, under its Manusathkara initiative. With the completion of over 4,200 ‘Care for Our Own’ projects spanning across the country from Batticaloa to Koggala, the Brandix Group has ensured that all employees have access to clean water, for drinking and for household needs. In Sri Lanka and much of the developing world, the benefits of such programmes most significantly impact women and girls who would otherwise spend valuable time collecting water, thus preventing them from pursuing educational and economic opportunities.

Furthering its efforts beyond employees of Brandix, the ‘Model Village’ programme aims to resolve water-related issues faced by people living in close proximity to a Brandix factory. The Group supports both individuals and institutions such as schools, hospitals, community centres and places of worship, which are key to the wellbeing of society. Today, over a quarter of a million people benefit from the Model Village programme.

Both the Care for Our Own and Model Village programmes have been appreciated by the beneficiaries, especially in the pandemic situation, where the attention to hygiene plays a significant role in limiting the spread of COVID-19.

In celebration of World Water Day this year, Brandix will hand over a further 87 completed ‘Care for Our Own’ water projects to employees and their families. The Group has also partnered with the Department of National Community Water Supply and has initiated a wall art initiative at Model Village Schools. Themed ‘Water is Life’, this initiative aims to create awareness amongst the future generations on the importance of safeguarding water resources through a creative and engaging platform.

For truly transformative change, Brandix understands the equal importance of water in the light of care for community and sustainable initiatives to conserve this scarce resource in response to climate change. The Group’s environmental sustainability framework is anchored to the pillars of Air, Water and Earth, and at its core is the aim to become a truly sustainable manufacturer leading the efforts to address the complex challenges that face the planet today.

A multi-pronged approach for resource optimisation is currently implemented and continuously enhanced, with the Group’s goal of achieving Zero Water Wastage by 2023. Recent highlights include several factories being added to the initiative of channeling condensed water recovery towards more effective use for the cooling towers of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems. As already implemented in the Batticaloa and Rambukkana manufacturing facilities, Brandix is also taking steps to roll out the Zero Liquid Discharge initiative to other locations, whilst rainwater harvesting infrastructure across the Group has also been further enhanced. Through these composite efforts, the Group has achieved a 19% reduction in water intensity for the financial year 2020/21.

As Brandix continues these efforts, the Group hopes to inspire more individuals and organisations to join hands and stitch care for the community and sustainability, into the very fabric of daily living and businesses.

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Business

SLEIS 2026 to examine Sri Lanka’s energy transition and its implications

Published

14 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

Reliable and affordable energy is essential to Sri Lanka’s economic growth, industrial development and competitiveness. As the country seeks to strengthen energy security while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, the energy sector will be a key area of discussion at the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026, organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on 12-13 October 2026.

The session, “Beyond Fossil Dependence: Balancing Security, Sustainability, and Growth,” will examine how Sri Lanka can diversify its energy sources, accelerate renewable energy adoption and attract investment while ensuring a reliable energy supply for businesses and households. Discussions will also consider the infrastructure and policy frameworks needed to support the country’s transition towards a modern and competitive energy system.

Ms. Edore Onomakpome – Regional Infrastructure Industry Manager – Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, at the International Finance Corporation will keynote the session, and join the panel discussion featuring G.M.R.D. Aponsu – Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Damitha Kumarasinghe – Director General (Chief Executive Officer), Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, and Manjula Perera – Managing Director, WindForce PLC. The discussion will be moderated by Sheran Fernando – Senior Advisor, Plus94.

The session will also explore the role of public-private collaboration in developing new energy solutions, encouraging investment and creating opportunities within Sri Lanka’s evolving energy sector. It will consider how energy policy and investment decisions can support both economic expansion and the country’s longer-term sustainability objectives.

The Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026 is supported by its valued sponsors and partners. Platinum Sponsor – Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka, Gold Sponsor – VISA Worldwide (Pvt) Ltd., Bronze Sponsor – South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd., Strategic Development Partner – Asian Development Bank, Telecommunication Partner – Dialog Telecommunication, Television Partner – Dialog Television, Session Sponsors – David Pieris Motor Company (Pvt) Ltd., Hemas Holdings PLC, Sunshine Holdings PLC, International Construction Consortium (Pvt) Ltd., Official Logistics Partner – Hayleys Advantis Limited, Official Airline – SriLankan Airlines Ltd., Official Hospitality Partner – Shangri-La Colombo, Airline Partner – China Eastern Air Holding Co. Ltd.

Registrations are now open at https://sleis.chamber.lk/. For more information, contact Alikie on 011 558 8805 (alikie@chamber.lk) or Shanuka on 0701082541 (events.division@chamber.lk).

Business

A fresh chapter for the George Keyt Foundation: A renewed commitment to the Sri Lankan art ecosystem

Published

15 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

The George Keyt Foundation (GKF), dedicated to preserving the legacy of modernist painter George Keyt and fostering local art, has announced strategic appointments to its leadership team, bringing together a mix of global academic expertise, corporate leadership, and artistic passion. These enhancements aim to inject fresh expertise and academic depth into the Foundation’s long-term vision.

Establishment of the New Advisory Committee

To broaden its operational reach and deepen its engagement with the global art market, the George Keyt Foundation has established an Advisory Committee. The newly appointed committee members include:

• Dr Sujatha Meegama is a Senior Lecturer in Buddhist Art History at the Courtauld. She is an acclaimed art historian, author and academic, bringing specialised knowledge in South Asian art history to guide the foundation’s curatorial and educational directives.

• Dr Shamil Wanigaratne: A clinical psychologist, author, and avid art historian, Shamil will lend his unique perspective to help the foundation design meaningful public outreach and cultural preservation strategies.

• Abbas Esufally: A veteran corporate leader and patron of the arts, Abbas is transitioning from his role as a GKF Trustee to this advisory position, where he will continue to offer his sharp business acumen and extensive network.

New Trustee Appointment

Leesha Captain has been appointed to the Board of Trustees. Inspired by Sri Lankan artists, Leesha is a recognised supporter of the local art scene. Leesha’s hands-on perspective will strengthen the foundation’s core team as they develop and design new art programs.

A Vision for the Future

“These new appointments mark an exciting chapter for us as we build on our decades-long history of promoting Sri Lankan artists,” says Malaka Talwatte, Chairman of the Foundation. “The combination of Leesha on the board, alongside the diverse expertise of our new Advisory Committee, will significantly amplify our efforts in curating high-profile exhibitions and expanding local and international partnerships”.

Business

Sun Siyam Pasikudah celebrates World Tourism Day with culture, cuisine and community

Published

15 hours ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

Sun Siyam Pasikudah, part of the Privé Collection under Maldivian-owned Sun Siyam Resorts, will mark World Tourism Day on 27 September 2026 with a full day programme celebrating the culture, cuisine and natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s east coast, paired with community focused sustainability activities.

The celebrations open with a special buffet of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, followed by a street food festival showcasing regional snacks and traditional sweets rarely found on resort menus. A signature World Tourism Day mocktail and cocktail, created for the occasion, will be served through the day, while traditional Sri Lankan cultural dance performances bring the island’s heritage to life for guests.

Beyond the festivities, the resort has planned a tree planting activity with guests and a beach or park clean up campaign, both reflecting Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s ongoing commitment to responsible tourism along Sri Lanka’s northeast coast.