Business

Brandix reaffirms commitment to provide and preserve water

Published

4 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

Sri Lanka secures IMF staff-level deal for USD 700 million tranche

Published

22 hours ago

2026/04/10

Thilina Walpola

Sri Lanka has reached a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund to secure the next tranche of funding under its ongoing bailout programme, marking a key step in the country’s fragile economic recovery.

The agreement, announced this week, will enable Sri Lanka to access approximately USD 700 million, subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board. The funds form part of the USD 2.9 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme agreed following the 2022 economic crisis.

The latest development covers the combined fifth and sixth reviews of Sri Lanka’s reform programme, indicating that the country has made sufficient progress to move forward, while highlighting the need to sustain reform efforts.

Sri Lanka’s economy has shown signs of stabilisation in recent months, supported by improved revenue collection, easing inflation, and a gradual buildup of foreign reserves. However, the recovery remains vulnerable to both domestic and external pressures.

By Ifham Nizam

Business

Israeli attack on Lebanon triggers local stock market volatility

Published

22 hours ago

2026/04/10

Thilina Walpola

Initially CSE trading was somewhat volatile despite the ceasefire in West Asia but it experienced further volatility after Israel attacked Lebanon yesterday.

However, the IMF delegation which is now in Sri Lanka to release two tranches of its relief package created some positive sentiments for the market, analysts said.

The All Share Price Index went down by 73.06 points, while the S and P SL20 rose by 10.57 points.

Turnover stood at Rs 2.96 billion with six crossings. Those crossings were: JKH 5.5 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 807.6 million and its shares traded at Rs 19.70, CIC Holdings two million shares crossed for Rs 54 million; its shares traded at Rs 32, Access Engineering 600,000 shares crossed for Rs 44.4 million; its shares traded at Rs 74, Central Finance 116,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 27.5 million ; its shares sold at Rs 237, LMF 250,000 shares crossed for Rs 22.8 million; its shares fetched Rs 91.10 and Kelani Cables 200,000 shares crossed for Rs 21 million and its shares traded at Rs 105.

In the retail market seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Dialog Rs237 million (7.5 million shares traded), LMF Rs 203 million (22 million shares traded), Colombo Dockyard Rs 199.7 million (1.1 million shares traded), HBA Foods Rs 163 million (18.5 million shares traded), JKH Rs 156 million (7.8 million shares traded), JKH Rs 156 million (7.8 million shares traded), Softlogic Holdings Rs 117 million (9.6 million shares traded) and Acme Printers Rs 107 million (15.6 million shares traded). During the day 133.3 million share volumes changed hands in 23666 transactions.

It is said that manufacturing sector counters, like JKH, performed well, while food sector counters, especially LMF and HBA Foods, performed well. Other sectors too performed somewhat well during the day.

Yesterday the rupee was quoted a Rs 315.42/48 to the US dollar in the spot market from 315.30/40 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields were quoted higher.

By Hiran H. Senewiratne

Business

HNB Assurance marks 25 years with strategic transformation to ‘HNB Life’

Published

22 hours ago

2026/04/10

Thilina Walpola

Highlights from the new brand reveal as HNB Assurance transforms into HNB Life

Marking 25 years of trust, growth, and service excellence, HNB Assurance PLC has unveiled its new corporate identity, transitioning to HNB Life PLC a strategic evolution that reflects the company’s forward-looking vision and commitment to empowering lives with protection and the freedom to thrive, no matter where life takes them.

This milestone signifies more than a change in name or visual identity. It represents a deliberate transformation shaped by strong performance over the past few years, during which the company has achieved remarkable growth, strengthened its market position and enhanced its customer-centric capabilities.

The newly introduced logo, inspired by the form of a wing, symbolises HNB Life’s role as a proactive enabler. It reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting individuals in navigating life’s journey with confidence, empowering them to pursue their aspirations and live life on their own terms.

The official unveiling took place at a launch event attended by key stakeholders, strategic business partners, well-wishers and employees.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman, Stuart Chapman highlighted the significance of this transformation, stating, “As we mark 25 years of progress, the transition to HNB Life reflects our strategic intent to evolve with the changing needs of our customers and the broader market. This new identity embodies our purpose, to enable and empower individuals to achieve what they truly aspire to in life, with confidence and security. As a company we are extremely excited on what the future holds for as, as we build on an incredible foundation laid over the past two and a half decades.”

The new Vision of the Company is “To be the leader in empowering lives with protection and freedom to thrive, no matter where life takes them”.