Hirdaramani Industries Kuruwita celebrates 30 years of success

Hirdaramani Group Chairman Mahesh Hirdaramani and senior management at the Hirdaramani Industries Kuruwita manufacturing facility

Hirdaramani Industries Kuruwita is the largest employer in Ratnapura, creating over 3,000 jobs

A special event was held for the employees to mark 30 years of Hirdaramani Industries Kuruwita

• Aims to inculcate a culture of change by launching several projects in 2023
• Remains largest employer in Ratnapura, with over 3,000 jobs

A pioneer of the Sri Lankan apparel industry, Hirdaramani Group recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of one of its oldest and largest manufacturing facilities, Hirdaramani Industries Kuruwita. 

Founded on 26 November 1992, the manufacturing facility has continuously undergone technological, product, and environmental evolution to provide world-class apparel for leading international brands. 

The LEED-certified manufacturing facility has been recognised for its commitment to upholding international standards and is certified by leading global bodies including US Fair Trade, HIGG index and Worldwide Responsible Accreditation Production (WRAP).

“Our three-decade journey is a testament to Hirdaramani Group’s ability to remain agile and constantly innovate to keep up with the changing times. We are thankful to our employees, who are our greatest asset, as well as our customers and brands who have supported us over the years,” Hirdaramani Group Director Aroon Hirdaramani said.

The manufacturing facility, which began with 485 employees, is now the largest employer in the Ratnapura district, providing 3,000 jobs and supporting the livelihoods of many. Furthermore, the company is continusouly engaged in CSR projects to uplift the community. This includes notable initiatives such as donating medical equipment and medicines to the Erathnaand Ratanpura Hospital amidst medical shortages, contributing to sports and welfare activities of schools in the area and self-employment development programs at the Kuruwita Prison.

As part of the group-wide commitment through the ‘Future First’ sustainability Roadmap 2025, guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Hirdaramani Industries Kuruwita’s efforts in going green have gone beyond its facility with the launch of several sustainability and biodiversity projects over the years. Some of these efforts include partnering with the Central Environmental Authority and SLT Mobitel in planting 10,000 trees, awareness campaigns in schools on environmental sustainability, the introduction of rainwater harvesting and space allocation for solar panelsto generate 1.25 MW of electricity.

Additionally, as part of marking 30 years in the apparel industry, earlier this year, Hirdramani Industries Kuruwita launched a program to drive a culture of change within the organisation by conceptualising “Team 50” – a group of cross-functional teams appointed to spearhead 10 projects on driving performance management, 5S and problem-solving skills. The manufacturing facility aims to become the best place to work under a five-year strategic plan in collaboration with True North Consultancy, expected to launch in 2023.

“While this is one of the longest-operatingfacilities of Hirdaramani, we will continue to invest in expanding technology, manufacturing processes and innovation in the future. This is only possible owing to the unwavering commitment and loyalty of our workforce,” Hirdaramani Industries Director and CEO Theodore Gunasekara said.