Business

Britol and GP Certified Drive a Revolutionary Shift with the Introduction of Certified Recycled Plastics in FMCG Packaging

Published

1 week ago

2026/03/22

From Left to Right: Lalith Wijerathne General Manager Antler Industries, Dananjaya Therenakon General Manager Antler Industries, Suranga Gallage CEO Antler group, Ashani Jayasinghe Chairperson/ Managing Director Antler group , Chaminda Rajapakse Managing Director - GP Certified, Yugantha Perera Chief Technical Officer - GP Certified, Treshan Meloney Assistant Marketing Manager - GP Certified

In a revolutionary step towards sustainable manufacturing, reducing plastic pollution and creating local jobs,, Britol and the Antler Group of Companies partnered with GP Certified to integrate certified recycled plastics into large-scale production of their products.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in the plastics and recycling industry. Most brands in Sri Lanka use virgin plastics to produce their plastic packaging – everything from a shampoo to a toilet bowl cleaner is packaged in a bottle made with plastic that is imported, used once and discarded. Marking an impactful departure from business as usual, the Antler Group of Companies now uses safe, ethically produced and cost-effective GP Certified recycled plastics to replace up to 40% of the imported virgin with locally recycled plastics in some of their Britol range of products. .

Speaking on the milestone, Ms Ashani Jayasinghe, the Chairman at Antler Group of Companies stated that “For over 4 decades, sustainability has guided Antler’s journey, shaping how we innovate, manufacture and lead. Through the GP Certified programme, Antler and Island Climate Initiative is setting new standards. A standard that enables manufacturers, partners and communities, to take part in a circular environmentally responsible system.”

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Chaminda Rajapakse, Managing Director of GP Certified, expressed: “This partnership with Antler represents a critical step in mainstreaming certified recycled plastics within the FMCG sector. This milestone directly supports the rollout of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Sri Lanka by providing FMCG companies with a credible, local compliance pathway. GP Certified enables brands like Britol to meet EPR obligations through verified recycled content, traceability, and accountable downstream processing, reducing reliance on offsets or non-circular disposal. By linking compliant producers with certified recyclers, GP Certification helps translate EPR from a regulatory requirement into a practical, scalable market mechanism that strengthens domestic recycling and closes the loop.”

This collaboration underscores the shared vision of GP Certified and Antler to drive the circular economy forward, inspiring industries to embrace certified recycled materials as the new norm.

This initiative was supported by the PLEASE project which was funded by the World Bank and implemented by the South Asia Co-operative Environment Program (SACEP).

All News Advertisement

Business

SLT-MOBITEL turnaround signals new era for SOEs, says deputy minister

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/30

Thilina Walpola

The panel discussion led by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eng. Eranga Weeraratne (centre) with SLT MOBITEL’s top management Pic by Nishan S. Priyantha

The era of privatising loss-making state-owned enterprises may be drawing to a close, with SLT-MOBITEL emerging as proof that strategic management can deliver profitability without a change in ownership, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eng. Eranga Weeraratne said.

“There was a massive public outcry asking the previous governments to sell the loss-making state-owned enterprises. Now it is not there as it was used to be heard,” Weeraratne said. “SLT-MOBITEL has proven that the proper management strategy can turn any loss-making SOE into profit. Gone are the days we heard ‘sell, sell, sell’.”

The remarks came as Sri Lanka’s national ICT provider reported a decisive financial turnaround in FY 2025, driven by disciplined cost management, operational efficiency, and steady growth across fixed and mobile businesses.

The company has simultaneously rolled out a pioneering 24/7 operational model – the industry’s first – with 14 Outside Plant Maintenance Centres operating round-the-clock in metro areas, Kandy, and Jaffna to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.

“Our strong financial results reflect the resilience of SLT-MOBITEL and the trust customers place in us,” said Dr. Mothilal de Silva, Chairman, SLT Group. “With the roll-out of the 24/7 OPMC operations, we are raising the bar for service reliability.”

SLT-MOBITEL has also made 5G publicly available in Sri Lanka and continues to support the Ministry of Digital Economy with secure data centre infrastructure, reinforcing its role as a catalyst of national development.

By Sanath Nanayakkare

Business

Kia Tasman arrives in Sri Lanka: A pickup built for work and comfort

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/30

Thilina Walpola

Kia Motors Lanka has launched the all-new Kia Tasman, the brand’s first-ever pickup truck – engineered to redefine the double cab segment by combining rugged capability with SUV-like refinement.

Built on a robust body-on-frame platform, the Tasman offers best-in-class strength with a payload capacity of 1,151kg, towing up to 3,500kg, and water wading up to 800mm. Advanced 4WD systems and terrain modes ensure unmatched off-road performance.

Inside, the cabin surprises with best-in-class rear legroom, sliding and reclining rear seats – a segment-first – and a panoramic display with premium Harman Kardon sound.

“This is a vehicle conceived without compromise,” said Kia Motors Lanka Chairman Mahen Thambiah. “For customers who demand durability, capability, and everyday comfort, the Tasman delivers on every front.”

Business

Chief Risk Officers rise globally to drive smarter risk-taking while Sri Lanka’s boardrooms remain silent

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/30

Thilina Walpola

As geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, and technological disruption reshape global markets, the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) is emerging as a strategic pillar in boardrooms worldwide. In Sri Lanka, however, the role remains largely absent.

Once confined to major banks, the CRO is now gaining traction across industries including finance, logistics, technology, and manufacturing. According to the 2025 Global Risk Survey by EY, nearly 78% of organisations now place risk management at the heart of strategic planning, signalling a shift from reactive crisis management to proactive risk leadership.

The CRO is tasked with identifying and preparing for threats to financial stability, operations, reputation, and compliance – ranging from cyberattacks and supply-chain disruptions to regulatory shifts and climate risks. “The CRO is no longer just the person who says ‘no’ to risky decisions,” a Singaporean banking executive said. “Today, the CRO helps companies take smarter risks and build resilience.”

The role’s growing importance will be highlighted at the upcoming Chief Risk Officer Conference (20–21 May 2026 in Singapore), organised by the Asian Bankers Association in partnership with Trueventus. Key topics include AI-driven risk modelling, geopolitical shocks, and ESG integration.

For Sri Lankan firms where risk functions are often distributed across finance, compliance, and audit – the rise of the CRO offers a clear signal. As an Indian risk consultant noted, “Companies today don’t just compete on profits. They compete on how well they manage uncertainty.”

By Sanath Nanayakkare