Business
A National Partnership With Busineses For Biodiversity
BIODIVERSITYin SRI LANKA
Safeguarding biodiversity is integral to sustainable development, competitiveness, economic growth and
employment. Many of the services that biodiversity and ecosystems provide are currently severely threatened. In an attempt to address this issue, Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL) was initiated in August 2012 by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, IUCN – the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Dilmah Conservation. It was created to respond to a demand for the establishment of a facility where businesses can come together to share experiences and best practices, learn from their peers, and voice their needs and concerns, aiming to strengthen the link between the business sector and the conservation community. BSL aims to assist the private sector to make a paradigm shift in efforts to place true and realistic values on Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.
Forging linkages
BSL is a member of the Global Partnership for Business and Biodiversity (GPBB) established under the Convention on Biological Diversity. For facilitating forums of dialogue with businesses, among Parties, Governments and other stakeholders, the Government of Sri Lanka has recognized BSL to play this role, as an independent, and autonomous platform. BSL has helped to establish National Business and Biodiversity Initiatives in Pakistan and Viet Nam. For increased collaboration between the state and the private sector, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL), through the Ministry of Environment, to use combined advantages for enhancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in the country.
Members and priority benefits
The membership of BSL is open to Sri Lanka-based businesses ranging from national to multinational companies, as well as small and medium enterprises. Currently, 40 leading corporates – all with high standards of environmental custodianship have backed BSL by becoming its invited Patron Members. BSL has also 38 General Members and its SME Members are growing. The United Nations Development Programme, the German Development Co-operation (GIZ) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) are Associate Members.
Membership benefits include access to a comprehensive technical database carrying information on expertise available in conservation related fields, priority seating in events hosted by the BSL Academy in which best practices are disseminated, use of an Online Project Bank setting out project ideas and recognition to resource efficiency pledges, A Biodiversity Projects Ranking Scheme awards Star Ranks and exclusive use of a dedicated logo aiding companies to improve the design and implementation of biodiversity conservation-related projects. An online repository www.lifecommitment.lk, maintains information on private sector contributions towards multiple national and international biodiversity commitments, assessing also hitherto unavailable financial investments made towards these initiatives over a determined period.
Awarding genuine efforts towards biodiversity conservation
In recognition of the positive work being carried out by companies, the ACCA and BSL collaborated in offering a joint award for excellence in environmental/biodiversity project implementation. Recognizing its relevance to current needs of the current job market, BSL provides technical assistance to the Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, University of Colombo in the Honours Degree in Business & Environment, connecting the students and enabling industrial placements with eminent partners representing leading corporate entities in Sri Lanka.
Encouraging Public-private-community partnerships
Working with its members on public private community partnerships has been an integral part of BSL’s work. Joining hands with the Forest Department, IUCN Sri Lanka, and Patron Member – HSBC, BSL worked to conserve the Puwakpitiya Oya, to serve as a replicable model for mini watershed conservation and management. Through a science-driven, community-centric approach, the initiative resulted in substantial improvements in ecological functions, and improved living standards. Methodology, results, and best practices are documented for use in longer-term planning and learning. Together with contributions to SDGs and to national biodiversity priorities.
Tools for restoration
BSL’’s flagship project “LIFE” carried out in partnership with the Forest Department, IUCN Sri Lanka and eleven member companies, has developed a forest restoration plan for a degraded block within the Kanneliya Forest Reserve, restoring connectivity using scientific principles. Enhancement of habitat quality, species diversity and increased biodiversity and ecosystem services are monitored. As a first for Sri Lanka, working with experts both locally and internationally, a Biodiversity Credit Accrual System is being designed with the objective of assigning a unit value for enhanced biodiversity and ecosystem services, in par with international requirements and standards. The aim of the project is to support the development of policies and tools to utilize accrued credits sustainably.
Tackling the plastic menace
According to the Marine Environment Protection Authority of Sri Lanka, the country dumps 1 billion pounds of plastic and polythene a year and 4 million polythene bags alone each day. BSL together with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce developed an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Roadmap to minimize plastic loadings into the coastal and marine environment. Building the capacity of stakeholders, to accelerate plastic waste management, using a participatory approach was an integral part of this initiative. To maximize sustainable utilization of our beaches, BSL’s Life to our Beaches campaign takes measures to keep our beaches clean and free of hazards allowing for public movement and recreation.
Publications
For showcasing hidden best practices in environmental conservation, initiated by the plantations and tourism sectors, two BSL publications enhance awareness and provides learning opportunities to others in the industry, on the benefits and value of engaging in environmental conservation efforts and in the enhancement of biodiversity. These are available for sale in leading bookshops.
Biodiversity Sri Lanka aims to assist the private sector to make a paradigm shift in efforts to place true and realistic values on Sri Lanka’s natural heritage, setting and then reaching new ambitious targets to value and conserve the fundamental riches of the life support systems and the wildlife and people that depend upon them.
A Board of Directors consisting of a permanent representative each from the three Initiating Partners and two representatives each from the Patron and General Members, together directs the activities of BSL. The board consist of Dilhan C. Fernando, Board Chair, Representative- Initiating Partner, Trustee, Dilmah Conservation Mr. Chandrarathne Vithanage, Representative – Initiating Partner, Senior Assistant Secretary General Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Ananda Mallawatantri, Representative – Initiating Partner, Country Representative, International Union for Conservation of Nature. Mr. Mahesh Nanayakkara, Representative – Patron Members, Chief Executive Officer, Citizens’ Development Business Finance PLC. Mr. Nandana Ekanayake, Representative Patron Members, Chairman, Siam. Mr. Shahid Mohomed Sangani, Representative, General Members – Director – Dynawash Ltd. Mr. Subramaniam Eassuwaren, Representative General Members – Deputy Chairman, Eswaran Brothers, Exports (Pvt.) Ltd. Mr. Anura Dissanayake, Expert in Business, Sustainability and the Environment / Secretary, Ministry of Irrigation and Former Secretary Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment. Mr. Prema Cooray, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, Rainforest Ecolodge (Pvt.) Ltd.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the University of Kelaniya organized the Sri Lanka Inter-University Make-A-Thon for Assistive Medical Technology from 22–24 February 2025 to come up with new solutions for affordable assistive medical technology devices.
This Make-A-Thon is supported by the Ministry of Education, the University of Colombo, the Open University of Sri Lanka, Thrimana 3D Printers, ATG Glove Solutions, Avon Pharmo Chem, Leeban Interiors, and FabLab Shinagawa, Japan. “I am thrilled to witness the creativity, empathy and passion of Sri Lankan youth making a social impact by providing customized but potentially scalable interdisciplinary solutions within this limited time,” said ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka Takafumi Kadono. “I hope that this Make-A-Thon event will bring a lasting impact for mainstreaming affordable assistive health technology service delivery to the doorstep of people with disability in Sri Lanka.” The event brought together over 150 participants, including people with disabilities as need knowers, university students and faculty members whose majors are engineering, technology, medical, designing occupational therapy, speech and language therapy from 9 universities, and digital fabrication experts to co-create human-centered assistive devices.
The event was held at the new platinum-rated green building facilities at the Faculty of Computing and Technology, University of Kelaniya, developed under the ADB-funded Science and Technology Human Resource Development Project. The event showcased Sri Lankan university students’ creativity producing affordable assistive medical technology solutions— costing less than $1 per device, thereby reducing reliance on imports. Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya said “More than just a competition, the Make-A-Thon could combat the stigma attached to the people with disability.
This interdisciplinary collaborative event fostered innovation to develop practical solutions to real-world disability challenges through participatory processes.” Thirteen groups successfully developed 3D-printed assistive device prototypes for people with disability based on the interdisciplinary support from the University of Kelaniya led by the Faculty of Computing and Technology as well as the Department of Disability Studies of the Faculty of Medicine. The Japanese digital fabrication experts, funded by the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific grant, provided guidance for this event.
‘Sri Lankans have shown remarkable resilience, but further austerity is untenable’
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Sri Lanka must sustain annual economic growth exceeding 5% to achieve debt sustainability and resume full debt repayments by 2028, ensuring the financing of essential imports and safeguarding social and political stability, asserted Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy, former Central Bank Governor. He said so while speaking at the Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA) symposium, ‘Crisis-Driven Poverty’, held on February 27, 2025, at the Colombo Hilton.
Highlighting the urgency of structural reforms, Dr. Coomaraswamy, the keynote speaker of the event stressed, “Steady growth beyond 2028 is critical for poverty reduction and inclusive development. Without reforms, debt sustainability could unravel, risking another restructuring that would test public patience and destabilize society.
Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy
Reflecting on stalled progress, he noted, “Reforms in factor markets, state-owned enterprises, trade policy, and skills development were proposed 45 years ago. Yet, political incentives and powerful vested interests, businesses, unions, or others—have persistently obstructed change.” He expressed cautious optimism about the current government’s pragmatism under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, praising its adherence to a robust macroeconomic framework post-election—a rare commitment in Sri Lanka’s history, while mentioning the role of Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe in introducing and pursuing it.
The symposium featured findings from CEPA’s 2023 survey of 5,000 households, partially funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The study expanded with independent financing to include an additional 2,500 households, analyzed poverty through both expenditure-based metrics and the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). It assessed the socioeconomic impact of Sri Lanka’s crises and the efficacy of social protection programs.
The event brought together government officials, donors, civil society groups, and academics to strategize on poverty alleviation. Dr. Coomaraswamy warned, “Delayed reforms risk entrenching poverty and compounding debt challenges. Sri Lankans have shown remarkable resilience, but further austerity is untenable.”
His remarks underscored the delicate balance between economic discipline and social equity, urging swift action to secure long-term stability.
Continuing its journey of doing good for Sri Lanka, Nestlé Lanka invested in a biomass boiler project at its state-of-the-art factory in Kurunegala. The biomass boiler is a key initiative in the ‘Good Food Good Life’ company’s journey towards reaching net zero carbon emissions across the value chain by 2050.
Nestlé strongly believes in conducting its operations sustainably in a manner which positively impacts not only people, but also the planet. This LKR 1.1 billion investment will facilitate the transition from the use of furnace oil to biomass for generating steam in its manufacturing operations. This transition will lead to a 90% reduction in carbon emissions generated from current steam boilers.
Sunil Handunneththi inaugurated the new biomass boiler at the Kurunegala Factory on the 27th of February 2025. The inauguration ceremony also witnessed the participation of H.E. Dr. Siri Walt, Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Professor Tilak Hewawasam, Chairman – Central Environmental Authority, and Mr. Vish Govindasamy, Past Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Chamber’s Clean Sri Lanka Initiatives.
Sharing her thoughts, Dr. Siri Walt stated “Nestlé has a longstanding presence in Sri Lanka of almost 120 years producing household names like MAGGI, MILO and NESTOMALT. But Nestlé is also a sustainability champion with its aim to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The groundbreaking investment into this biomass boiler is a testimony to this. I am delighted to see Nestlé’s investment into innovation and sustainability, a priority for Switzerland and Sri Lanka.”
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