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INSEE Ecocycle: Realizing a circular economy through innovative waste management

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Sujith Gunawardane

As Sri Lanka marks World Environment Day, INSEE Ecocycle takes center stage as the pioneering force in waste management, driven by the principles of the circular economy. With a profound commitment to sustainability and respect for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, INSEE Ecocycle has emerged as a game-changer in waste disposal, waste recovery, and overall waste management solutions.

Embracing the circular economy model, INSEE Ecocycle goes beyond waste disposal and management solutions through its dedication to transforming waste into valuable resources. As the waste management arm of INSEE Cement, the company’s journey began in 2003 when it began using biomass and industrial waste as alternative fuels and raw materials for the cement manufacturing process. Since then, INSEE Ecocycle has expanded its scope, venturing into hazardous waste management, sorted non-biodegradable municipal solid waste processing, and molecular recycling through its pyrolysis plant.

“At INSEE Ecocycle, we are driven by the belief that waste should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a burden,” says Sujith Gunawardhana, General Manager, INSEE Ecocycle. “Our goal is to revolutionize waste management and create a sustainable future where waste becomes a valuable resource that can be used to create the things we need to build a better life!”

Both historically and at present, INSEE Ecocycle plays a pivotal role in developing environmentally friendly avenues for managing hazardous waste in Sri Lanka. In collaboration with the government, regulatory authorities, and industries, the company facilitates the safe and eco-friendly management of countless tons of hazardous waste annually, continually setting new standards for responsible waste disposal practices in Sri Lanka.

Underscoring INSEE Ecocycle’s commitment to innovation, the company has invested in a state-of-the-art modern laboratory, providing analytical services to various industries in relation to waste management. This cutting-edge facility enables comprehensive waste analysis, including solid, liquid, wastewater, fuel, and fertilizer analysis. Through the provision of these services, INSEE Ecocycle has solidified its position as a comprehensive, one-stop shop for total waste management solutions and a drive towards more circular solutions.

The specialty of INSEE Ecocycle’s approach lies in its unique co-processing method, carried out within the cement kilns. By complementing the cement manufacturing process in partnership with its parent company, INSEE Cement, waste is destroyed and decomposed fully without harmful emissions. In stark contrast to conventional landfill or incineration methods, co-processing ensures waste is converted into valuable resources, minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability is demonstrated through continuous monitoring of emissions and regular reporting to regulators.

Driven by its ESG ambitions for 2030, INSEE Ecocycle focuses on three key pillars: climate and energy, the circular economy, and biodiversity and water. Concentrating on these pillars, the company strives to reduce CO2 emissions, decrease energy consumption from fossil fuels, enhance waste utilization, and promote water conservation, while also making a net positive impact on biodiversity. These initiatives, coupled with a “zero-harm” ambition and robust community engagement, solidify INSEE Ecocycle’s dedication to environmental stewardship.

Further highlighting the company’s commitment to transforming waste disposal in Sri Lanka, INSEE Ecocycle presently collaborates with over 100 municipal councils and local authorities islandwide, supporting the responsible collection and disposal of sorted non-biodegradable municipal solid waste (MSW). The company plays a pivotal role in providing technical expertise, infrastructure, and final disposal facilities to efficiently manage waste. Recognizing that municipal solid waste (MSW) is a national concern, INSEE Ecocycle actively collaborates with government authorities at all levels to find sustainable solutions.

INSEE Ecocycle also partners with organizations that generate waste to help them take ownership and responsibility for managing their waste in an environmentally friendly and professional manner. Through its industrial services arm, INSEE Ecocycle offers a range of services, including waste mapping, waste reduction guidance, technical solutions, chemical cleaning, tank cleaning, emergency responses, and professional logistics services. By sharing its wealth of experience and knowledge, INSEE Ecocycle empowers its clients to embrace sustainable waste management practices and minimize their environmental footprints.

“Our vision goes beyond waste management as we aim to build a greener, more sustainable future for our country,” explained Mr. Gunawardhana. “Through our unmatched expertise, extensive geographical presence, and participation in nationally important projects, we are driving change and reducing the burden of MSW and other hazardous waste.”

Emphasizing the significance of individual actions in waste management, Mr. Gunawardhana added, “Every small effort counts in reducing waste and managing it properly. Simple practices like reusing bags and avoiding the mixing of different types of waste can help #BeatPlasticPollution and have a significant impact on the effectiveness of waste treatment and disposal measures. Awareness is crucial, and that’s why we always try to share knowledge and inspire people at every level to do and be better, even when it isn’t in our economic interests, in order to drive a sustainable waste management culture in Sri Lanka.”

With World Environment Day being marked worldwide on June 5, 2023, INSEE Ecocycle stands at the forefront of the battle against environmental pollution in Sri Lanka, blazing the trail with its innovative waste management solutions, driven by circular economy principles. By redefining waste as a valuable resource and fostering partnerships with diverse stakeholders, INSEE Ecocycle is working to realize a greener future for all Sri Lankans.



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Supreme Court launches online payments via GovPay – a milestone in judicial digitalization

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L-R: Udaya H. Kasthurirathne - Lead, Digital Government/ Digital Economy; Dinuka Perera, Deputy CEO – LankaPay; Jayantha Fernando, Global Legal Advisor – LankaPay; Channa de Silva, CEO – LankaPay; Waruna Sri Dhanapala - Acting Secretary, Ministry of Digital Economy; Chief Justice Murdu N. B. Fernando, President’s Counsel; Aravinda Gunaratne, Registrar of the Supreme Court/ Judge of the Sri Lanka Judicial Service; Udumbara Dasanayake, Deputy Registrar of the Supreme Court/ Additional Magistrate; H M P B Herath, Director – CBSL; and CEO (Marshal) of Ministry of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms, Air Vice Marshal Eng. L M S K Leelaratne (Rtd).

In a landmark move towards digital transformation within Sri Lanka’s legal system, the Supreme Court officially launched online payment acceptance via GovPay, at a ceremony held on 15th May 2025 at the Supreme Court Complex in Hulftsdorp, Colombo 12, under the patronage of Chief Justice Murdu Fernando, PC.

This digital initiative enables both legal professionals and general public to make real-time, secure online payments via any GovPay-enabled internet banking, mobile banking platforms and FinTech applications for a wide range of services offered by the Supreme Court including Brief Fees, Certified Copying Fees, Commercial High Court Appeal Filing Fees, Compensation, Cost, Enrollment Fees (Attorney-at-Law), Good Standing Certificate Fees, New Plaint Filing Fees, and Online Payments for Affidavits.

At the initial phase GovPay payments to Supreme Court has been enabled via several online banking platforms and FinTech apps including BOC Smart Pay Mobile App, Peoples Pay Mobile App, NSB Online Banking, Pan Asia Online Banking, Sampath Vishwa Online Banking, HNB PayFast, Seylan Bank Online Banking, DFCC Online Banking, NationsDirect Online Banking / NationsDirect Mobile App, ComBank Digital Online Banking and ComBank Digital Mobile App, NDB Neos Online Banking, Helakuru Mobile App, iPay Mobile App, FriMi Mobile App, Genie Mobile App. The integration with GovPay ensures secure, seamless, and transparent transactions, accessible from anywhere anytime, bringing a new level of convenience and efficiency to the legal community and the general public using courts. Moreover, the entire GovPay digital process, including the receipt which generated via the system are legally valid under the Electronic Transactions Act No. 19 of 2006 (as amended).

Speaking at the launch, Chief Justice Murdu Fernando PC emphasized the significance of this initiative in modernizing the judicial system, stating that “This marks an important milestone in our journey towards a more accessible and technology-enabled judiciary. By embracing digital platforms such as GovPay, we are not only improving efficiency and transparency, but also enhancing public trust and ease of access to all stakeholders of the judicial system” , the Chief Justice stated.

Integration with GovPay aims to reduce the reliance on physical cash transactions, long queues, and administrative difficulties that have historically burdened court users as well as legal professionals. It also aligns with the national agenda of leveraging digital infrastructure to improve public service delivery.

The Supreme Court’s adoption of technology-based payments is expected to serve as a model for similar implementations across other courts of law throughout Sri Lanka. Several high-ranking legal professionals, officials from LankaPay, ICTA and representatives of the legal and banking sectors were present to witness this historic occasion.

This transformation is the result of collaboration between the Supreme Court Registrar, the Registry Staff, the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Digital Economy and key financial and technological institutions committed to enhancing digital inclusion within public institutions with the support of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

As the legal landscape evolves, digital platforms, such as GovPay, will play a critical role in ensuring the justice system remains adaptive, inclusive, and future-ready. The Supreme Court’s forward-thinking initiative is expected to pave the way for comprehensive judicial digitalization nationwide.

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Fortude partners with Ettos to enhance sustainability across fashion supply chains

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Fortude has announced a strategic partnership with Ettos, a leading supply chain traceability platform aimed at enabling fashion businesses to maintain more transparent processes and allowing customers to understand how their products are made. This collaboration will integrate traceability, compliance, and Digital Product Passports (DPPs) into a unified solution, helping fashion brands streamline their supply chains and enhance transparency.

Ettos’ platform simplifies the tracking of raw materials and the verification of sustainability claims. It offers a B2B web platform for managing traceability and compliance, along with a B2C web app that delivers DPPs to consumers via QR codes. Through this partnership, Fortude and Ettos will jointly expand their capabilities in the fashion sector, supporting clients from raw material sourcing to final product delivery.

Adriana Batty, Co-founder of Ettos, said, “We are happy to partner with Fortude, whose expertise in digital solutions and deep roots in the fashion industry align with our vision of creating a transparent global supply chain. Together, we will empower brands and consumers with verifiable sustainability insights.”

With over a decade of experience delivering digital solutions to global fashion brands, Fortude shares Ettos’ commitment to transforming supply chain transparency. Daniel Rodrigo, Senior Vice President Global Technical Consulting at Fortude added, “Our partnership with Ettos reinforces our mission to provide digital solutions that matter. For over a decade, we have been an Infor partner, delivering ERP solutions to numerous global fashion brands. As we broaden our vision to drive digital transformation, this partnership is a significant step toward driving meaningful change for fashion brands seeking enhanced transparency and compliance.”

This partnership marks a significant step forward in meeting the fashion industry’s growing demand for sustainability and transparency. Fortude and Ettos are dedicated to helping brands navigate complex supply chains with confidence, fostering a more sustainable future for fashion.

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Turyaa Chennai marks a decade of hospitality

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The late Chairman, Deshamanya D.H.S. Jayawardena, addressing the Turyaa Chennai staff during the Annual Staff Awards in October 2019

Turyaa Chennai, a premier five-star deluxe classified hotel under the Aitken Spence Hotels portfolio, celebrates a decade of redefining hospitality in one of South India’s most dynamic urban corridors.

Conceived by the visionary entrepreneur and Late Chairman of Aitken Spence PLC, Deshamanya D.H.S. Jayawardena, Turyaa Chennai was built on the belief that Aitken Spence warmth and world-class hospitality could find a meaningful home in India. Ten years on, his legacy continues—alive in every guest experience, every team member’s dedication, and every milestone the hotel celebrates.

Since its opening in 2015, Turyaa Chennai has become a trusted name in Chennai—offering warm service and contemporary comfort. Strategically located along Chennai’s IT expressway, the hotel has grown into a hospitality landmark for business travellers, international travellers, and local tastemakers. Its vibrant dining concepts, spacious rooms and suites, rooftop leisure areas, and exceptional service standards have made it a preferred address in the city.

To mark its 10th anniversary on 15th of May 2025, Turyaa Chennai is hosting a month-long series of celebrations in honour of its legacy and the people who helped shape it. These include religious blessings, a celebratory dinner for loyal guests and partners, an awards ceremony for team members, and culinary showcases that nod to the hotel’s South Indian and Sri Lankan heritage.

Turyaa Chennai (Aitken Spence Hotels) donates wheelchairs to Tamil Nadu Railways in collaboration with Geo India Foundation.

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