Championing Sustainability: Hayleys Plantations company Talawakelle Tea Estates honoured as “Best Corporate Citizen” at BCCSA 2023

• Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC takes home 11 awards
• Haycarb and HJS Condiments each win Best Sustainability Project Awards
• Hayleys Fentons and Singer (Sri Lanka) top Construction and Retail Sectors respectively

Hayleys Group subsidiary Talawakelle Tea Estates (TTE PLC) won the coveted Best Corporate Citizen Award for 2023 – the inaugural win for a plantation company in the awards programme’s 20-year history.

Hayleys Group subsidiaries Kelani Valley Plantations PLC (KVPL), Hayleys Fentons Limited, Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC, Haycarb PLC and HJS Condiments Limited were all winners at the ceremony, showcasing the diversified conglomerate’s remarkable commitment to sustainability and responsible business across its portfolio.

Hayleys PLC Chairman and Chief Executive Mohan Pandithage expressed his pride in the achievements: “This recognition is more than just an award; it reflects the Group’s legacy and commitment as a pioneer in corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship. We remain steadfast in implementing the Group’s ESG roadmap, the Hayleys Lifecode, across our operations, fostering sustainable, inclusive growth for the Group, its diverse stakeholders, and the nation.

“I extend my appreciation to the dedicated teams at Talawakelle Tea Estates and all Hayleys Group Companies for exemplifying our purpose; to inspire a more inclusive world and a thriving planet.”

Both Hayleys Plantations companies were named among the Top 10 Best Corporate Citizens for 2023. TTE PLC was additionally honored with the Best Corporate Sustainability Award in Category B, while KVPL was recognized as the second runner-up.

TTE PLC’s impressive haul of 11 awards underscores its holistic commitment to excellence, with its comprehensive integration of sustainable practices across operations, decision-making and corporate culture.

All environmental award categories were won by TTE PLC, including the Triple Bottom Line Award for Environmental Sustainability, Corporate Environmental Commitment, Environmental Integration, and Environment Beyond the Business among others, demonstrating the company’s multifaceted approach to sustainability.

Haycarb PLC and HJS Condiments Limited were recognised for their groundbreaking Sustainability Projects which underscore the Group’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship. Haycarb PLC’s Haritha Angara initiative, launched in 2014 has introduced eco-friendly charcoaling practices, encouraging local suppliers to convert their traditional open pit charcoaling sites to environment-friendly closed pits using technology, training and expertise developed by the Haycarb team.

HJS Condiments was recognised for its innovative approach and significant impact on environmental sustainability for its groundbreaking project, aimed at controlling the Melon-fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae) incidence in the Cucurbitaceae Family.

Hayleys Fentons was honoured as the Winner in the Construction Sector, reaffirming its industry leadership in solar energy initiatives. The company has played a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s sustainability goals by assisting businesses to achieve their CO₂ reduction targets and empowering society by providing affordable, reliable, and uninterrupted access to clean energy.

Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC was recognised as the winner in the Retail Sector, highlighting its dedication to promoting environmentally friendly products, sustainable consumer practices, and its contribution to the economic empowerment of the communities it serves.

Organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the awards shine a spotlight on sustainability champions in the national corporate arena, promoting initiatives that deliver social and environmental benefits while pursuing profits. Hayleys is the only Sri Lankan corporate to win the Best Corporate Citizen award on five different occasions; Talawakelle Tea Estates is now the first Hayleys company to secure the top honour.