Horana Plantations wins three Golds at Commonwealth Business Excellence Awards

• Applauded for outstanding achievements in CSR and sustainability 
• Recognised for strategy and leadership
• Commended for local and global market reach 

Leading Sri Lankan Regional Plantation Company (RPC) Horana Plantations PLC (HPL), a member of the Hayleys Group, set industry benchmarks when it clinched three Gold Awards at the Commonwealth Business Excellence Awards 2023.

Recognised for its multifaceted achievements in embedding and driving ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) practices across its core business processes, HPL took home awards in the CSR and Environment Sustainability, Strategy and Leadership, Local and Global Market Reach categories at the Commonwealth Awards. 

Hayleys Plantations Managing Director Dr. Roshan Rajadurai said: “The work that Horana Plantations has done has pushed the boundaries of a traditional RPC. Their commitment to all aspects of ESG is deeply reflected in innovative initiatives that have enriched the environment they operate in and the communities they work with. There is a necessary, definite shift towards sustainable practices and a green economy, and we are proud that Horana Plantations is leading the charge.”

Organised by the Commonwealth Partnership Summit and hosted at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Singapore, the event recognised the vital social and environmental contributions of organisations that raise the bar in service excellence, their commitment to customers, philanthropic ideals, ethical behaviours and environmental sustainability.

HPL’s commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices has been demonstrated through its engagement with several non-governmental agencies and professional bodies for funding and implementation of CSR activities. HPL has collaborated with organisations such as the Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT), Save the Children Fund, ADRA Organization, World Vision, and Rainforest Alliance to carry out various CSR activities, including funding for Children’s Well-being, and Water Conservation projects. 

HPL has been certified for several environmental certifications, including Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, ISO 22000, and ECO Label. In addition to these certifications, HPL is also a signatory to several global initiatives, including the UN Global Compact, Climate Neutral Now, UNGC CEO Water Mandate, and has committed to the Science Based Targets (SBTi). 

Sharing his thoughts on the awards, HPL Director and CEO Johann Rodrigo said, “The awards are a testament to HPL’s long-standing commitment to the environment, community, and consumers. The company has dedicated years of effort towards sustainable and ethical business practices. We will continue to build on these programs for a greener economy, a more resilient business and a better future for all.”

The awards cap off an incredibly successful year for the RPC, which saw them recognised for their transparency and governance in reporting, through several internationally and locally acclaimed awards. HPL recently received the Bronze Award at the TAGS Awards 2022 (Plantation Sector) and the CMA Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards 2023.

HPL was also certified as a Great Place to Work and recognised as one of the Top 15 Companies in the Manufacturing and Production Industry. Moreover, HPL recently received the Merit Award in the Agriculture & Plantation Sector at the National Business Excellence Awards 2023, where they were also recognised as Runners-Up in the Agriculture & Plantation Sector and received the Merit Award for Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility in 2022.