ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards 2024 marks two decades of championing sustainable business practices

Award winners 

The ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards 2024 celebrated a significant milestone of two decades of recognising and promoting excellence in sustainability reporting. 

Held at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo, this event acknowledged organisations demonstrating outstanding contributions to sustainable business practices, underscoring ACCA’s ongoing commitment to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

ACCA Sri Lanka Chairman Chaaminda Kumarasiri opened the event by reaffirming ACCA Sri Lanka’s continued dedication to fostering sustainability in business practices across the country. Chief Guest British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick outlined the pivotal role of sustainability in the modern business landscape and highlighted the necessity for businesses to evolve in response to global challenges and play an active role in addressing sustainability issues.

In a virtual address, ACCA UK Senior Subject Manager for Sustainability Emmeline Skelton shared her expert insights on the future of sustainability reporting, encouraging large corporations to go beyond conventional frameworks, and to lead the way with impactful initiatives that truly drive change.

A highlight of the evening was the introduction of the ACCA Professional Diploma in Sustainability by Aruni Rajakarier, an ACCA member. This program is designed to equip professionals with the expertise to integrate sustainability into corporate strategies.

The event also took a moment of reflection as attendees observed a heartfelt silence in honour of the late Franklyn Amerasinghe, a former consultant to the Panel of Judges, whose invaluable contributions to advancing sustainability within the ACCA community continue to be deeply felt.

The most anticipated part of the evening was the awards presentation, where High Commissioner Patrick, Chaaminda Kumarasiri, and Nilusha Ranasinghe awarded the winners. The distinguished panel of judges, led by Amritha School of Sustainability Futures Adjunct Professor Santhosh Jayaram, offered their reflections on the sustainability initiatives showcased by the organisations.

Hayleys PLC emerged the overall winner for its exceptional sustainability efforts, while Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC was named the overall runner-up, recognised for its commitment to sustainable finance and practices.

In the sector-specific categories, Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC took the lead in the Agriculture sector, with Horana Plantations PLC as the runner-up. 

In Banking, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC claimed the top spot, followed by Sampath Bank PLC as runner up. Hayleys PLC triumphed in the Conglomerates and Diversified category, with Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC being the runner-up. Dialog Axiata PLC led in Non-Financial Services, with Hayleys Advantis Ltd. awarded runner-up. Citizens Development Business Finance PLC emerged victorious in Other Financial Services, with Ceylinco Life Insurance Ltd. securing the runner-up position. 

In Retail and Trading, Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC was recognised as the winner, while JAT Holdings PLC was the runner-up. RESUS ENERGY PLC stood out in the SME category, with Oxford College of Business Ltd. being the runner-up. 

John Keells Hotels PLC received top honours in Sustainable Tourism, with Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC as the runner-up. Ceylon Cold Stores PLC excelled in the Food and Beverages category for its sustainable manufacturing processes, with Convenience Foods (Lanka) PLC following as the runner-up. In Manufacturing, Brandix Lanka Ltd. claimed the top award, with Hayleys Fabric PLC and HAYCARB PLC sharing the runner-up honours.

Hayleys PLC received the Special Award for Risk Reporting, acknowledging its transparent and effective approach to risk management amid evolving global challenges.

Looking ahead, ACCA Sri Lanka remains dedicated to setting new sustainability benchmarks, inspiring sustainable practices across industries, and contributing to a more sustainable future for businesses.