Business

Triple Crown winner Halgolla Estate highlights need for environment-friendly businesses

Published

2 years ago

2024/06/12

Sahan Weerasooriya

Dignitaries at the crowning of Halgolla Estate.

By Ifham Nizam

Halgolla Estate, a subsidiary of Kelani Valley Plantations (KVPL) recently announced the historic achievement of a Triple Crown of world firsts at a gathering bringing together local and global stakeholders in the plantations industry. Among other things, the event highlighted the need for environment-friendly business enterprise.

The Triple Crown consisted of these titles; ‘World’s first tea estate to receive the Regenerative Agriculture certification’, ‘World’s first intellectual tourism concept’ and the ‘World’s first tea estate to establish a biodiversity conservation center’.

Chief Guest Dutch ambassador Bonnie Horbach stressed the pressing need for proactive measures in combating climate change, emphasizing the tangible impacts already being felt across the globe.

With recent weather anomalies serving as poignant reminders of the urgency of the situation, the ambassador called for visionary leadership and collective action to address this existential threat.

Highlighting the Halgolla Estate’s pivotal role in the sustainability journey, she lauded the collaborative efforts that led to the successful implementation of the agroforestry project. She added: ‘This initiative, initiated in partnership with the Dutch embassy and other organizations, serves as a shining example of how integration of environmental concerns into business practices can yield remarkable results.’

The crowning achievement of the day came with the announcement of ‘Regenagri’ certification for the Halgolla Estate, making it the first tea estate globally to receive this prestigious recognition. This certification, which reflects a commitment to regenerative agriculture practices, signifies a paradigm shift in the way tea is produced, consumed, and perceived on the global stage.

Commenting on Halgolla Estate’s landmark achievements, Hayleys chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mohan Pandithage said: “We are incredibly honored to count such an exemplary estate among our ranks. Halgolla Estate has been steadfast in upholding its values, and their recognition among the world’s best is well deserved. They are a beacon of innovation and sustainability, setting a model for the entire sector and representing the future of the plantations industry locally, regionally, and globally.”

“The model of sustainability that Halgolla Estate has created is a prime example of the potential of plantations estates in the country. With the country’s renewed vigour towards tourism, combined with Hayleys focus towards value addition, Halgolla is leading the way for what we envision the future of plantations to be, said Hayleys Plantations Managing Director Dr. Roshan Rajadurai.

Anuruddha Thiththagalla Gamage,General Manager- HR & Corporate Sustainability Kelani Valley Plantations PLC, speaking to The Island Financial Review said that their achievement underscores their commitment to sustainability and leadership within the tea industry. ‘It demonstrates that responsible land management and regenerative practices can coexist with successful tea production. Halgolla serves as a beacon, inspiring others to adopt these methods and contribute to a more sustainable future for agriculture, he said.

Halgolla Estate, located in Yatiyantota in Kegalle district, is a unique estate which boasts rich biodiversity, documented through long-term research by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since 2009.

He added: “We regularly assess this biodiversity and monitor the health of the environment, including rich catchment areas for major rivers, natural forests within the plantation landscape, and a mix of crop varieties with forest reservations. To witness with evidence, referring to the recent scientific data and research findings, approximately 90% endemic bird species identified within plantation landscape of KVPL and more importantly about 85% of endemic bird species can be identified in Halgolla.”

“Of the 251 floral species and 310 faunal species identified from research by IUCN- SL, approximately 36% and 39 % are endemic species, respectively. There is a lot more scientific evidence on threatened, critically endangered floral and faunal species found within a landscape of a 200 ft to 3500 ft elevation which is a unique feature to explain the rich biodiversity of Halgolla.”

He also said that Analysing the sensitivity and criticality of the environment and rich biodiversity at Halgolla and thinking beyond the traditional tourism often focuses on relaxation and scenic beauty, we have brainstormed an innovative, a new approach:

“We as KVPL, would wish to announce the world’s first ‘intellectual tourism’ Project at Halgolla Estate. This innovative model goes beyond sightseeing, offering visitors a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the fascinating world of conservation and biodiversity.”

Senior Policy Advisor-Agriculture, embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands – Sri Lanka, Nishan Dissanayake told The Island Financial Review that regenerative agriculture prioritizes environmental health and sustainability over high yielding mono cropping agriculture. “This is therefore a different value chain. This is not the traditional tea value chain. The main challenge for these emerging eco based value chains is under-developed markets. And lack of market connections due to poorly developed policies, he said.

‘Fortunately, I see that EU has taken many measures to tackle these issues and the EU market is becoming an attractive market for these environmentally value added products. In December 2023, EU legislators reached a provisional deal on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). This law require large businesses to identify and address their impacts on people and planet. There is a process to follow to ensure human rights and environmental due diligence. This is the most ambitious legislation in the world so far to oblige bigger companies, both inside and outside of the EU, to take responsibility for the impact of their activities on human rights and the environment. Ultimately, this law will create and facilitate the market in the EU for the products produced in environmentally sustainable ways, Dissanayake said.

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Business

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

Published

8 hours 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

8 hours 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

8 hours 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.