In a remarkable achievement, Talawakelle Tea Estates secured the prestigious ‘Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Award 2023’ at the twentieth iteration of the esteemed ceremony organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. The event, known as the Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards, stands as a beacon recognizing sustainability champions within the corporate landscape of Sri Lanka. Talawakelle Tea Estates’ triumph underscores its commitment to fostering social and environmental progress alongside economic prosperity.
The annual awards ceremony serves as a platform to spotlight corporations that prioritize sustainability in their operations, emphasizing initiatives that yield tangible benefits for both society and the environment while ensuring business growth. The recognition received by Talawakelle Tea Estates signifies its exemplary efforts in balancing profit-making objectives with ethical and sustainable practices.
Furthermore, Talawakelle Tea Estates clinched the Category B ‘Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Award 2023,’ an accolade reserved for companies with annual turnovers below Rs. 15 Billion. This additional recognition underscores the company’s dedication to sustainability across different scales of operation. Elpitiya Plantations and Kelani Valley Plantations were recognized as the first and second runners-up in this category, respectively, further highlighting the competitive landscape of sustainable corporate practices in Sri Lanka.
The top ten corporate citizens of 2022, which included Aitken Spence, CBL Investments Limited (CBL Group), Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company, Elpitiya Plantations, Hatton National Bank, Kelani Valley Plantations, Nestlé Lanka, Sampath Bank, and Talawakelle Tea Estates, were acknowledged for their outstanding sustainability initiatives under both Category A and B.
Moreover, the ceremony honored exemplary sustainability projects undertaken by various organizations, recognizing their contributions to key aspects of sustainability relevant to their operations and contextual needs. Projects such as Master Carton Recycling by CBL Foods International, Act Early for Autism by Citizens Development Business Finance, and Endane Biodiversity Corridor by Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company exemplify the diverse range of initiatives driving positive change across sectors.
The Triple Bottom-line Awards, which evaluate companies based on their performance in environmental, social, and economic sustainability, saw Talawakelle Tea Estates crowned as the winner of the Environmental Sustainability category. This recognition underscores the company’s commitment to minimizing its environmental footprint while ensuring the well-being of communities and fostering economic prosperity.
Additionally, sector-based sustainability champions were honored for their exemplary performance within their respective industries. Talawakelle Tea Estates emerged as the champion in the agriculture sector, showcasing its leadership in sustainable agricultural practices.
Talawakelle Tea Estates’ triumph at the Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards 2023 not only highlights its commitment to sustainability but also serves as a testament to the growing importance of corporate responsibility in driving positive change for society and the environment. As sustainability continues to gain prominence on the corporate agenda, Talawakelle Tea Estates stands as a beacon of inspiration for businesses aspiring to integrate ethical and sustainable practices into their operations.
