Exports powerhouse Hayleys Group sweeps 17 Presidential Export Awards

Hayleys Chairman and Chief Executive Mohan Pandithage

• Contributed 5.5% of Sri Lanka’s total export earnings in 2022/23
• Recognised for innovative, value-added export portfolio

Sri Lanka’s most diversified conglomerate and exporting powerhouse, Hayleys and its subsidiaries were celebrated for their unwavering commitment to excellence, value-addition and innovation, clinching 17 awards at the 25th Presidential Export Awards held recently. 

Accounting for 5.5% of the nation’s total export income, the recognition won by the Hayleys Group at this year’s awards further consolidates its role as an essential contributor to an export-led Sri Lankan economic revival, capturing new markets with sustainable innovations.

The Hayleys Group export manufacturing strategy places strong emphasis on value addition to sustainably and ethically sourced home-grown raw materials. 

In turn, this creates positive value for the national economy. Its purification, eco-solutions, agriculture and hand protection sectors are among the Group’s leading examples of significant value addition on local raw materials.

Organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), the prestigious awards celebrate excellence in export performance, showcasing the country’s most innovative and dynamic exporters. 

Hayleys Chairman and Chief Executive Mohan Pandithage said: “Our export portfolio is built on a foundation of inclusive business models, where sustainable supply chains comprised of large numbers of smallholders with shared benefits are connected to sophisticated global markets. By harnessing sustainable innovation and value-addition that integrates communities across the island with economic opportunities, we continue to expand our presence with products that effectively serve the needs of consumers and businesses across the globe.” 

“These awards are a symbol of our unwavering commitment to supporting our nation’s economy. We proudly contribute 5.5% of Sri Lanka’s total export income, and exceeded $ 650 million in the last financial year; a testament to our people’s dedication and the impact of diverse business sectors,” Pandithage added.

The Group’s purification sector, led by Haycarb won top honours for the coconut shell products sector as the recipient of the Best Exporter Awards for 2021/22 and 2022/23. 

Dipped Products received the ‘Best Exporter in Rubber Products’ for 2022/23, while Alumex was crowned as the Overall emerging exporter for the year 2021/22. Alumex also won a merit award in the Light Engineering Products category for 2022/23. 

Similarly, Hayleys Agriculture subsidiary Quality Seed Company Ltd., was presented with the Overall Best SME Exporter of the Year 2022/23, in addition to winning the Best Exporter Awards in the Floriculture category for both 2021/22 and 2022/23. HJS Condiments Ltd., the exporter of value-added agri-produce, was recognised as the Best Exporter in the processed fruits, nuts and vegetable category for 2021/22 and 2022/23. 

Meanwhile, three subsidiaries of the conglomerate’s transportation and logistics arm, Advantis, won a total of five awards. Advantis-Free Zone received the awards for ‘Best Exporter Hub Operations and Entrepot Trade for 2021/22 and 2022/23, Advantis - Bunkering won the awards for ‘Best Exporter Marine and Offshore Services for 2021/22 and 2022/23, and Hayleys Energy Services, won a Merit award in the ‘Marine and Offshore Services’ category for 2021/2022. 

Hayleys Fabric received merit awards in the Knitting Fabric sector for both 2021/22 and 2022/23. 

The Hayleys Group is a centrepiece of the Sri Lankan economy, maintaining a global presence across five regions with business interests spanning 16 diverse sectors. Accounting for over $ 650 million of the country’s foreign earnings and 5.5% of the nation’s total export income, Hayleys is a champion of sustainable innovation and represents one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent success stories. 

Hayleys is ranked Sri Lanka’s number one corporate for 2022 (Business Today Top 40). The diversified conglomerate is currently assigned a National Long-Term Rating of ‘AAA’ (lka) by Fitch Ratings and is the only corporate to be awarded the nation’s Best Corporate Citizen on five separate occasions.