Business

KVPL wins prestigious UNV Award for service to plantations communities

Published

4 years ago

2022/02/2

Kelani Valley Plantations General Manager – HR and Corporate Sustainability, Anuruddha Gamage accepting the award from UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka, Robert Juhkam in the presence of Sharmalee Jayasinghe Country Coordinator of UNV

In celebration of its remarkable positive impacts on estate workers and communities, Kelani Valley Plantations PLC (KVPL), a member of the Hayleys Plantations Sector, was honoured with a United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Award in the Corporate Sector category at the 50th United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Golden Jubilee Anniversary Celebrations.

The United Nations Volunteers Sri Lanka presented 50 awards to individuals and organisations that have contributed to the country’s development efforts through volunteerism. This honour marks the first occasion in the Sri Lankan Plantations Sector’s rich 150+ year history that a Regional Plantations Company (RPC) has won a UNV Award, bolstering efforts taken at the source of one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic export industries.

“We are honoured by the recognition we have been given and the global visibility this provides our ethically-sourced tea exports. We are grateful for the active participation and unique engagement of our Plantations’ Management to support and care for these communities 24/7, 365 days a year. As a pioneer in sustainable and ethical plantations management, KVPL will continue to make the development of the sector, and all who are connected to it our utmost priority.

“This overall commitment exemplifies the values of the Hayleys Group and is representative of our pioneering HRM model, which transcends traditional approaches to continuously raise the quality of life of our direct workforce and dependents, in collaboration with local and international bodies,” Hayleys Plantations Managing Director, Dr. Roshan Rajadurai said.

The RPC was recognised for multiple environment protection projects with thousands of volunteers, such as tree planting, organic rubber, and municipal waste compost projects, in addition to conducting awareness programmes on child protection, and developing universal tools for sustainable business practices.

KVPL’s flagship ‘A Home for Every Plantation Worker’ programme is a voluntary holistic commitment across the management, staff and estate workers, supporting the well-being of a 60,000+ strong plantations community. From medical camps to awareness programmes, child and maternal care activities, development work on living facilities, drinking water schemes and other community capacity development initiatives, Kelani Valley Plantations has adopted a relentless multi-pronged approach to safeguarding the interests of its workforce and the broader estate community.

Notably, the company was the first RPC in Sri Lanka to adopt a comprehensive “Child Protection Policy” in partnership with the Save the Children Fund, including establishing child protection focal points and child protection committees.

The past year saw the establishment of voluntary community efforts headed by KVPL Estate Managers to protect lives and overcome the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the potential vulnerability of its workforce and their families to the pandemic, Hayleys Plantations mobilized its entire workforce to raise awareness on measures to prevent COVID-19. As a result, the team was able to complete a 100% vaccination drive in partnership with local health authorities, in turn ensuring zero casualties amongst its estate workers.

“The prolonged lockdowns necessitated by the pandemic threat posed difficulties to estate communities in accessing food and other essentials. Across estates, our team never hesitated to put themselves at the frontline, making a concerted effort to purchase, pack and deliver essential provisions in addition to implementing the required safety and hygiene measures beyond the workforce to the surrounding communities as well. Recognising that income streams would be affected, the team also visited our estate workers’ homes and engaged them in the fields to actively promote the outgrower model,” Kelani Valley Plantations General Manager – HR and Corporate Sustainability, Anuruddha Gamage said.

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Business

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

Published

19 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

19 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

19 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”.