GSCS International Ltd, with a global presence in over 35 countries, offers steady, sustainable, and enduring development as a provider of certification, assessment, audit, verification, inspection, and capacity-building services. GSCS International – Sri Lanka successfully organized the SustainSphere 2.0 program, aimed at innovating tomorrow’s industry through sustainability.

A press release said: ‘Held in Sri Lanka, the event attracted a diverse audience, including representatives from academic institutions, government bodies, trade associations, brands, and various client organizations, all gathered to explore the future of sustainable development in the apparel industry.

‘The first keynote address was delivered by Dr. Harshini Mallawarachchi, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Facilities Management, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. Dr. Mallawarachchi emphasized Circular Economy: A Pathway for Net-Zero Apparel Manufacturing.

‘The second keynote address was delivered by Adhil Khasim, the Deputy Director General of the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon. His speech focused on Innovative Approaches, Future Trends, and Recent Amendments in Social and Labor Compliance: A Sri Lankan Perspective.

‘Following the keynote speeches, a panel discussion was chaired by Abdul Mottaleb, Managing Director of GSCS International Ltd., which explored how innovation can drive sustainability and why it is crucial for industries to adopt sustainable strategies in an increasingly eco-conscious world. The panel included key figures such as N.S. Gamage, Deputy Director General of Environmental Impact Assessment from the Central Environmental Authority of Sri Lanka; Leonie Vaas, General Manager of Sustainability at Hirdaramani Group; Dr. Harshini Mallawarachchi from the University of Moratuwa; and Yohan Lawrence, Secretary General of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), each contributing their expertise to highlight the importance of sustainability across various sectors.

‘According to GSCS, SustainSphere 2.0 marks a significant shift towards making sustainability a fundamental requirement across all industries. The program is seen as a stepping stone for future initiatives, aimed at driving transformative change globally, in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

‘GSCS has been at the forefront of providing professional certification services in areas such as labor and human rights auditing, product certifications, environmental assessments, and circular economy practices. By maintaining strict adherence to both national and international standards, GSCS helps organizations across industries navigate the complexities of sustainable development, ensuring they remain competitive and compliant in the global market.

‘During the event, Yohan Lawrence, representing the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), highlighted the apparel industry’s proactive steps toward embracing sustainability. He noted that the global market’s increasing demand for eco-friendly and ethically sourced products has made sustainable practices essential for maintaining competitiveness. Lawrence emphasized that Sri Lanka’s apparel sector, long recognized for its high standards, is committed to enhancing transparency within supply chains and adopting innovative solutions to meet sustainability goals. He also pointed out that collaboration between industry stakeholders, academia, and governing bodies is vital for ensuring long-term success in these efforts.

‘As GSCS continues its efforts through programs like SustainSphere 2.0, it is clear that innovating industries through sustainability will remain a top priority in the future.’

Standard Chartered Sri Lanka has announced a milestone achievement, obtaining the EDGE Move certification for the second consecutive time, in its commitment to nurture gender equality in the workplace. The certification, the second-highest level offered by the EDGE Certified Foundation (Equity, Diversity, and Gender Equality), is also a national benchmark, as Standard Chartered Sri Lanka is the only organisation in the country to attain the distinguished recognition.

The EDGE Move certification acknowledges Standard Chartered Sri Lanka’s substantial progress and ongoing dedication to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. The certification process involves a comprehensive assessment of the Bank’s gender equality practices and policies, and a survey to measure employees’ experiences of Standard Chartered Sri Lanka in terms of providing equitable career opportunities. The EDGE assessment was enabled through EDGE Empower®, an integrated software for workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) that combines the power of the latest technology, DE&I expert knowledge, and experience. The certification was granted by an international Certification Body following an independent audit of all submissions made.

The EDGE assessment revealed Standard Chartered Sri Lanka’s exemplary performance in gender equality. The Bank demonstrated inclusive and gender-neutral hiring practices, robust gender diversity across four out of five levels of responsibility, and proactive pay equity measures widely acknowledged by employees. Notably, the effectiveness of the Bank’s policies and practices surpassed the EDGE Standard in all five areas analysed, demonstrating comprehensive commitment to workplace gender equality.

Commenting on the recognition, Bingumal Thewarathanthri, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Sri Lanka said, “Achieving the EDGE Move certification is a significant milestone for Standard Chartered Sri Lanka. It validates our deep commitment to creating an inclusive environment where all employees, regardless of gender, can reach their full potential. Our journey towards gender equality is ongoing, and we are dedicated to driving continuous progress in this crucial area.”

By Sanath Nanayakkare

The Jathika Jana Balawegaya (JJB) government is raising debt more acutely than the previous government despite its heavy criticism against the ballooning of the government debt stock, when it was running for office, Dr. Harsha de Silva, former MP of Samagi Jana Balawegaya told the media yesterday.

“JJB which is in administration now, made a vociferous protest on the political stage during the election campaign that the previous government was raising debt by issuing government securities for monetary operations on a big scale, but today it appears to be doing the same thing at a bigger rate, he said.

“The government is facing the harsh reality now. If the authorities want to avoid the consequences of raising new debt, it needs to increase the surplus of the primary balance. To strengthen the primary balance, the government has to increase its revenue. To increase revenue, the government would require to collect more taxes. We don’t want to criticize the government heavily at this juncture, but we are watching the situation,” he said.

He went on to say that the President doesn’t have fiscal powers and only the parliament has it, and therefore , the parliament should be allowed to properly use its mandate, or otherwise, the country would plunge into a crisis again.