Business
‘Enriching the fabric of community’ – a short film on Brandix produced by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions
The Brandix apparel manufacturing facility in Batticaloa is the theme of a recently released short film titled ‘Enriching the fabric of community’, produced for Brandix by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions. This film is part of the ‘Building a Better Future’ series, presented by the World Green Building Council and explores the profound effect buildings have on the quality of people’s lives and the role the green buildings movement plays in tackling climate change.
Brandix Essentials, Batticaloa achieved the status of the World’s 1st Net Zero Carbon certified apparel manufacturing facility in 2019, signifying that this factory eliminated its negative environmental impact through emission reduction, thereby playing its part to challenge climate change. This factory is also rated Platinum in the prominently recognised Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System programme of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Brandix understands the need for not only environmental, but also, social sustainability to ensure truly transformative change across the apparel industry. The company has implemented multiple ‘Care for Our Own’ community programmes to ensure access to clean drinking water for employees and others in the community, toward leading healthier lives. At present, over 4,500 families benefit from access to clean drinking water, with other beneficiaries including institutions such as schools and hospitals.
“At Brandix we believe in an integrated approach of embedding sustainability in every aspect of our operation – care for our planet and the communities in which we operate in is at the heart of everything we do.” says Ashroff Omar, Group Chief Executive Officer. “The fashion industry has experienced a noticeable shift in perception in recent years, with research indicating it is a significant polluter. Our sustainability journey began over a decade ago to consistently stay at the forefront of efforts to adopt best practices for environmentally and socially sustainable manufacturing. Green buildings such as our facility in Batticaloa exemplify this. It enables us to preserve the environment, rather than harm, while also ensuring a healthy and productive atmosphere for all our employees.”
The short film “Enriching the fabric of community” produced for Brandix by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions, tells the remarkable tale of the factory in Batticaloa that proves as a benchmark for a green building that is 100% powered by solar energy, recycles or reuses all waste, and has highly efficient water systems in place. The materials used in construction minimise heat gain of the building, and the rich biodiversity around the facility allows for a comfortable work environment that improves the overall wellbeing of employees. Through the lens of a Brandix employee – Sutharshini, the film takes the viewer through challenges she faced in her personal life, and how the efforts of Brandix have eased the issues.
“Enriching the fabric of community” can be viewed on all Brandix social media platforms across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Brandix has committed to the World Green Building Council that all factories located in Sri Lanka, under the company’s direct control, will achieve Net Zero Carbon status by 2023. Brandix hopes that this short film, will inspire more organisations to join hands and stitch sustainability and care for the community, into the very fabric of business.
Gigalingua Lanka, a premier German language institute, officially launched in Colombo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Felix Neumann, German ambassador to Sri Lanka. This marks a significant milestone for Sri Lankan professionals, especially nurses, looking to expand their careers in Germany’s thriving healthcare sector.
In collaboration with its strategic partner Global Care Solutions (Pvt) Ltd – a renowned company in the foreign recruitment industry – Gigalingua Lanka offers a unique pathway for Sri Lankan nurses and apprentices to master the German language and pursue rewarding career opportunities in Germany.
Dr. Felix Neumann, the Chief Guest at the event, expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of language education as a bridge to global career prospects. In his speech, Dr. Neumann noted, “German language is not only a means of communication, it is a gateway to global career opportunities.” He commended Gigalingua Lanka for providing valuable opportunities for Sri Lankans and addressing the critical demand for skilled workers, especially in the nursing sector in Germany.
Gigalingua Lanka is the first private institute in Sri Lanka to offer comprehensive German language training up to the B2 level, and conduct TELC exam. The institution also provides language training for apprentices, allowing them to undertake the Apprenticeship Program and contribute to the growing labor market in Germany. The collaboration between Gigalingua Lanka and Global Care Solutions is designed to meet Germany’s growing need for skilled workers, particularly in the healthcare sector.
The event was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Dr. Felix Neumann , Arthur Senanayake (chairman of IWS Holdings), Eran Wickramaratne – former MP, Chandra Schaffter – ( Founder of Janashakthi Insurance ), Dhammika Attygalle (Director Upali Group of Companies and President Automobile Association of Ceylon) Former Wing Commander Buwaneka Abeysuriya (Ex- chairman Janatha Estates Development Board).
Chairman of Global Care Solutions, Thomas Michael Kriwat, who is also chairman of the Mercmarine Group of Companies in Germany, highlighted the significance of the new training center. He said, “We are bringing world-class German occupational language training to Colombo, offering a structured, career-focused pathway for Sri Lankan professionals. By introducing TELC (The European Language Certificates) as an officially certified German language test authority, we are increasing accessibility for students seeking internationally recognized qualifications.”
At the thanksgiving speech, Dr. Rajan Sara, Managing Director of Global Care Solutions and Director of Gigalingua Lanka, outlined the critical need for foreign nurses in Germany. “Germany is facing a significant shortage of nurses, estimated to need an additional 150,000 by 2025. This is exacerbated by an aging population and increasing healthcare demands. Over 47,000 vacancies in the healthcare sector remain unfilled, making it an ideal time for Sri Lankan nurses to seize this opportunity,” Dr. Sara explained. (Gigalingua Lanka)
In keeping with its vision to consistently evolve and address accelerated business growth needs, Brown & Company PLC recently unveiled its new state-of-the-art manufacturing and warehouse facility in Katunayake. Strategically located within minutes of the Bandaranaike International Airport and the nation’s rapidly evolving highway network, the space is positioned to significantly enhance Browns’ logistical capabilities. The hub will enable seamless access to key markets across the island, further solidifying the Company’s principal role in a cross-section of industries.
The inaugural event of the Browns Group Industrial Park was attended by Ishara Nanayakkara, Chairman, Brown & Company PLC and Deputy Chairman, LOLC Holdings PLC and Kapila Jayawardene, Group Managing Director/CEO, LOLC Holdings PLC along with key officials from the Browns and LOLC Group.
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has successfully launched the highly anticipated vivo V50 smartphone, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to bringing 5G technology and pro-level mobile experiences to Sri Lankan customers, with the first customer handover taking place on 27th March 2025.
The vivo V50, designed in collaboration with ZEISS, combines advanced features such as a 50MP ZEISS OIS Main Camera, a powerful Snapdragon® 7 Gen 3 processor, and a stunning 6,000mAh battery, all housed in a sleek, ultra-slim design. Available at an attractive price, the vivo V50 delivers unmatched mobile performance for work, play, and creativity, offering features such as AI-enhanced photography, 4K video recording, and lightning-fast 90W FlashCharge technology. The vivo V50 also boasts a 41° golden curvature for a comfortable grip and a premium, cinematic mobile experience.
Dialog’s partnership with vivo underscores its commitment to bringing the latest in 5G innovation to Sri Lanka, providing customers with access to next-generation mobile experiences and empowering them to capture, create, and connect like never before. The vivo V50 is now available for purchase at Dialog’s Experience Centers and via https://www.dialog.lk/phones/vivo-v50-5g-12gb.
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