Business

Aitken Spence becomes Sri Lanka’s first diversified group to receive SBTi validation

Published

1 month ago

2026/06/9

Sahan Weerasooriya

Heritance Kandalama – First LEED Gold certified hotel in the world

Internationally benchmarked climate action

Aitken Spence PLC reached a defining moment in its sustainability journey, becoming the first diversified holdings company in Sri Lanka to have its emission reduction targets validated by SBTi. For a Group whose operations span 17 industry sectors and several geographical regions, this complexity is amplified. Each sector presents unique challenges, from energy-intensive operations to service-oriented businesses with wide networks and value chains. Bringing these diverse units together under a unified climate strategy calls on a comprehensive understanding of operational processes, a robust governance framework, a mature system and consistent monitoring mechanisms to ensure measurable outcomes.

According to UNEP’s latest Emissions Gap Report, global temperatures are likely to exceed 1.5°C within the next decade and the window for meaningful action is narrowing. 2024 was the first calendar year in human history to exceed 1.5°C of warming above pre-industrial levels, the very threshold the Paris Agreement was agreed to prevent. Corporates have a critical role to play in addressing climate change, and global expectations for corporate climate action are justifiably rising.

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a corporate climate action organisation designed to address this responsibility, enabling companies and financial institutions worldwide to play their part in combating the climate crisis. An independent global organisation that reviews whether corporate climate targets are in line with the level of action needed to tackle climate change, SBTi was initially founded as a collaboration between CDP, United Nations Global Compact, We Mean Business Coalition, World Resources Institute (WRI), and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

SBTi validation strengthens the credibility of Aitken Spence’s climate commitments by anchoring its emissions reduction pathway to independently verified sciencebased thresholds. This enhances confidence among investors and other stakeholders by demonstrating that the Group’s decarbonisation trajectory is aligned with global climate science rather than internally defined benchmarks.

Commenting on this achievement, Chairman/Chairperson of Aitken Spence PLC, Ms. Stasshani Jayawardena said, “Receiving SBTi validation for our targets is a proud milestone for Aitken Spence and an important indicator of where we are headed as a Group. As global expectations around climate responsibility continue to evolve, we believe businesses must lead with clarity, accountability and ambition. This recognition reflects our willingness to take bold decisions, transform the way we operate, and align our growth ambitions with internationally accepted climate goals. Across our diverse businesses and markets, sustainability will continue to shape how we invest, innovate and create long-term value for all stakeholders.”

By achieving this validation, the Group attests that large, multi-sector organisations can pursue climate responsibility with coherence and measurable impact, even while managing the complexities inherent to diverse business operations.

This landmark achievement is further reinforced by Aitken Spence’s longstanding track record of pioneering sustainability-led innovation across industries. The Group is the first and only company in Sri Lanka to invest in a waste-to-energy power project through Western Power Company, pioneered the world’s first LEED Gold certified hotel with Heritance Kandalama, and established the first carbon neutral, green printing facility in the South Asian region through Aitken Spence Printing.

Looking ahead, the validated targets provide a clear framework for guiding future investments, initiatives and partnerships, while supporting more informed responses to climaterelated risks and emerging regulatory expectations. In doing so, SBTi validation reinforces sustainability as a core element of the Group’s longterm strategy and resilience.

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Business

The Ceylon Chamber’s Commercial Document Registration Division expands export support

Published

1 hour ago

2026/07/11

Thilina Walpola

The Commercial Documents Registration Division (CDRD) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has expanded its export support services with the introduction of the Free Sale Letter for Pharmaceuticals, providing Sri Lankan pharmaceutical manufacturers and exporters with an additional document certification service to support their export processes and compliance requirements in international markets.

The new service expands CDRD’s portfolio of trade documentation solutions, which includes Certificates of Origin and the certification of key commercial documents required by overseas buyers, customs authorities, and regulatory bodies. These services assist exporters across sectors by helping ensure their documentation meets applicable requirements for international trade.

Established in 1925 as one of the authorised institutions to issue Certificates of Origin in Sri Lanka, CDRD has supported the country’s international trade for nearly a century. Today, the Division provides certification and verification services to exporters, manufacturers, freight forwarders, logistics providers, and other trade stakeholders, supporting businesses in meeting documentation requirements for global markets.

In addition to pharmaceutical certification, CDRD facilitates the certification of Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Price Lists, Health Certificates, Phytosanitary Certificates, Certificates of Analysis, Bills of Lading, Survey Reports, Beneficiary Certificates, and other export-related documents. The Division also issues Free Sale Letters and Surveyor Appointment Letters, while supporting exporters through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Electronic Document Attestation System (e-DAS), enabling secure and efficient document authentication.

Through established processes, digital solutions, and its e-service platform, CDRD continues to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of trade documentation services. Available 24/7 and 365 days of the year, the platform enables exporters to submit and manage documentation requirements conveniently while ensuring that certified documents meet internationally accepted requirements. By providing reliable documentation support and adapting its services to changing trade needs, the Division assists Sri Lankan businesses in managing export requirements and accessing international markets.

For more information on obtaining commercial document registration services, contact Achala via achala@chamber.lk / 0115588886

Business

Siyapatha Finance unveils newest branch in Bandarawela

Published

1 hour ago

2026/07/11

Thilina Walpola

Siyapatha Finance PLC recently expanded its island-wide footprint with the successful inauguration of its 64th branch in Bandarawela. Strategically located in scenic hill town in the Badulla District, the latest branch offers convenient and wider access to tailored, customer-centric financial solutions.

The branch was ceremoniously declared open by Siyapatha Finance PLC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mathisha Hewavitharana, joined by Chief Operating Officer (COO)Rajeev De Silva, Ms.D.M. Dewmi Tharindi, a student of Bandarawela Dharmapala Vidyalaya who won the Under-18 Girls’ 3,000m event at the Junior National Athletics Championship, the Senior Management and staff members as well as Traffic OIC Kandasami, Trade Association Secretary Sunanda Rathnayaka, representatives of the government and private banks and insurance companies and well-wishers.

Sharing his thoughts, Siyapatha Finance PLC CEO Mathisha Hewavitharana remarked: “We are deeply honoured to be of service to the people of Bandarawela. Opening this branch is a pivotal step in our 2026 expansion strategy and a reflection of our commitment to strengthen our presence in Sri Lanka. It is a region that showcases potential for greater economic development primarily through the country’s traditional agricultural practices. We look forward to reaching as many different communities as possible in the coming years.”

The Bandarawela branch offers a comprehensive product portfolio including leasing, fixed deposits, gold financing, business loans, personal loans, fast draft, and factoring to Smart Pay, the Company’s bill payment facility. With a thorough understanding about the current socio-economic dynamics of the region, the well-trained team at the newest branch is dedicated to providing flexible financial solutions to aspiring individuals as well as small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).

Business

Dialog recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Service and Telecommunications Brand for third consecutive year

Published

1 hour ago

2026/07/11

Thilina Walpola

Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has once again been recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Brand in the Service and Telecommunications sectors, while also ranking among the top Corporate Brands in the LMD Brands Annual. Marking its third consecutive year at the top of both categories, the recognition reflects the company’s commitment to enriching Sri Lankan lives and enterprises through technology, while creating value for customers, communities and the nation.

The accolades were awarded through the LMD Brands Annual survey, conducted independently by PepperCube Consultants on behalf of Media Services. Based on responses from 400 readers across Sri Lanka, representing a broad demographic and geographic mix, the survey identified the brands that resonated most strongly with consumers in terms of trust, loyalty and brand affinity.

Lasantha Theverapperuma, Group Chief Marketing Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC said, “Being recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Brand across both the Service and Telecommunications sectors is a meaningful endorsement of the trust and confidence that Sri Lankans continue to place in Dialog. This recognition reflects our commitment to understanding and serving the evolving needs of our customers while expanding access to digital connectivity, services and opportunities. As we continue to innovate and grow, we remain focused on creating value for communities and supporting Sri Lanka’s digital and socioeconomic progress.”

The recognition also reflects Dialog’s continued focus on innovation, customer-centricity and investments that support Sri Lanka’s digital future, including expanded 5G connectivity, AI-powered digital experiences and broader access to digital services.

Beyond connectivity, Dialog continues to support communities, livelihoods and the environment through initiatives such as Govi Mithuru, which provides AI-driven agricultural advisory services to over one million farmers, and Shishyadhara, which has enabled subsidy distribution to more than 450,000 underprivileged students. The company also continues to advance its Net Zero 2050 ambition through energy optimisation, renewable energy adoption and the expansion of solar-powered network infrastructure.

Further underscoring the brand’s standing among Sri Lankan consumers, Dialog was also recognised as the ‘Service Brand of the Year’ for the fifth time and the ‘Telecommunication Brand of the Year’ for the 15th consecutive year at the SLIM-KANTAR People’s Awards 2026.