Talawakelle Tea Estates tops Agriculture Category at ACCA Sri Lanka Sustainability Reporting Awards 2024

Hayleys Plantations Managing Director Dr. Roshan Rajadurai receiving the winner certificate and Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC Director/CEO Senaka Alawattegama with the Award

Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC Team

Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC (TTE PLC), a member of Hayleys Plantations, has once again demonstrated excellence in sustainability reporting by winning the coveted Agriculture Category Award at the recently concluded ACCA Sri Lanka Sustainability Reporting Awards 2024. This remarkable achievement highlights TTE PLC’s transparent approach to sustainability reporting and its comprehensive outlining of the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance.

With over three decades of pioneering sustainable practices, TTE PLC’s latest accolade further validates its sustainability journey as the premier agri-business entity continues to lead the charge in environmental stewardship, climate action, and social responsibility.

TTE PLC embraces a comprehensive approach to both financial and non-financial reporting by aligning with the <IR> Framework, GRI, IFRS, SASB, TCFD, and TNFD. The company follows the International Integrated Reporting (<IR>) Framework to clearly articulate how it generates value across financial, social, environmental, and governance aspects. Its adherence to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards reflects a strong commitment to global best practices in sustainability reporting.

TTE PLC’s 2023/24 Annual Report, themed “Rejuvenate, Regenerate,” stands out for its comprehensive and transparent disclosure of the company’s ESG performance, aligned with its regenerative business agenda for 2030. It also emphasises the need to drive impactful change, create sustainable value, and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In his remarks on the award win, TTE PLC CEO Senaka Alawattegama said, “We are honoured to receive this esteemed recognition for our transparent and credible sustainability reporting, a key focus area in our corporate mission. This accolade not only celebrates our commitment but also reinforces our role as a forward-thinking, responsible corporate citizen dedicated to driving positive change. We have always remained committed to fulfilling the dreams of the communities we serve whilst taking great care of the environment.”

TTE PLC has evolved as a leader in sustainability by continuously developing innovative sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and society. Through a robust environmental management system, the company prioritises sustainable land management, circular resource practices, water conservation, and wastewater treatment. TTE PLC is steadfast in environmental sustainability, with a strong focus on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration in its operational regions.

Its unbeatable expertise in regenerative agriculture is evident in the flourishing estates where the company implements crop diversification, agroforestry, rainwater harvesting, and measures to improve soil health. These initiatives, coupled with innovations, have propelled TTE PLC as a leader in sustainable agriculture. The latest additions to their initiatives include producing biochar from agricultural waste to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers and adopting an Integrated Pest Management system in agricultural operations.

Continuing its climate-positive commitment, TTE PLC has set a target to reduce GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050, supported by the global Science-Based Targets initiative. The company has already stamped its renewable energy footprint by converting its factories to solar power while ensuring minimal environmental impact by shifting from fossil fuel boilers to firewood boilers. Its positive impact is further amplified by investments in hydropower, which have made the company self-sufficient in energy, generating over 145% of its energy requirements.

TTE PLC has demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility through continued efforts to uplift the living standards of plantation communities, covering every facet from providing educational support and access to healthcare, to women’s empowerment, child development, and overall community welfare. In addition, TTE PLC’s Home for Every Plantation Worker Project continues to fulfil the housing needs of plantation communities, and investments in sanitary facilities ensure safe and comfortable living conditions. These commitments have positioned TTE PLC as a frontrunner in sustainable business operations, setting a benchmark for ESG.

About Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC

Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC is one of Sri Lanka’s premier plantation companies, producing high-quality Ceylon tea and exporting tea and tea-based products globally. A member of the Hayleys Plantations Sector, TTE owns 16 estates spanning 6,491 hectares in Sri Lanka’s high-grown and low-grown regions. The company holds certifications such as Rainforest Alliance, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), ISO 9001:2015, and ISO 14001:2015. It has received numerous global accolades, including honours at the Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards 2024, Commonwealth Business Excellence Awards, and Global Sustainability Awards 2024.