UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka Amplifies Industry Leadership with New Patron Structure for Working Groups

UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka Amplifies Industry Leadership with New Patron Structure for Working Groups

UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka is proud to introduce a transformative Patron structure for its Working Groups, set to take effect in 2025. This initiative strengthens the Network’s commitment to advancing corporate sustainability by amplifying the leadership of select companies within their respective issue areas. The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on 20th March 2025, at the 80 Club, in the presence of the Network’s Board Members.

A Collaborative Model for Greater Impact

Network Sri Lanka’s Working Groups have long provided a platform for businesses to exchange knowledge and drive industry-wide progress on sustainability. With this new structure, leading companies will take on an enhanced role in guiding participants within their Working Groups, offering mentorship, strategic insights, and best practices to drive collective action.

As Patrons, these companies will host events, provide guidance, and shape the direction of their respective Working Groups, ensuring that discussions translate into tangible, scalable solutions aligned with national and global sustainability priorities.

Meet the Patrons and Their Areas of Leadership

• •MAS Holdings (Pvt) Ltd – Gender & Diversity
  MAS Holdings will lead the Gender & Diversity Working Group, championing inclusive business practices, gender equality, and women’s leadership in corporate Sri Lanka.

• A. Baur & Co (Pvt) Ltd – Business & Human Rights
  A. Baur & Co will lead efforts within the Business & Human Rights Working Group, championing ethical business practices, human rights protections, and responsible corporate conduct.
• Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC – Climate Emergency Task Force
  Talawakelle Tea Estates will drive action within the Climate Emergency Task Force, supporting businesses in climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience strategies.
• Kelani Valley Plantations PLC – Water & Ocean Stewardship
  Kelani Valley Plantations will support the Water & Ocean Stewardship Working Group, focusing on sustainable water management and conservation practices.
• Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC – Water & Ocean Stewardship & Sustainable Supply Chain & SME
  Dilmah will take on a dual Patron role, sharing its expertise in sustainable supply chains and water stewardship, particularly in global supply chain sustainability and marine biodiversity conservation efforts.
• Teejay Lanka PLC – Sustainable Supply Chain & SME
  Teejay Lanka will support the Sustainable Supply Chain Working Group, bringing its expertise in ethical sourcing, circularity, and sustainable manufacturing.

Driving Systemic Change Together

Through this initiative, Network Sri Lanka aims to accelerate the transition from awareness-building to impactful action. By formalizing the role of Patrons, the Network strengthens its commitment to supporting businesses in achieving measurable progress on sustainability, in alignment with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Quotes

MAS Holdings, a longstanding advocate for gender equity and women’s empowerment, continues its leadership role as the Patron of the Gender & Diversity Working Group.

“As the Patron of the Gender & Diversity Working Group, MAS Holdings builds on over two decades of commitment to gender equity and women’s empowerment. Our engagement with Network Sri Lanka and similar networks has reinforced the value of collaboration—there’s much to learn and share. We can’t drive systemic change alone, and through this role, we hope to inspire greater private sector involvement, exchange insights, and strengthen the ecosystem for gender equity in Sri Lanka.” – Thanuja Jayawardene, Head of Gender Equity, MAS Holdings

“As a steward of A. Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd.’s 127-year legacy, built on ethical governance and the unwavering dedication of our people. Ensuring a living wage is not just a moral imperative, it’s also a smart business strategy. When the employees have the financial security they need, they’re more productive, engaged, and loyal. We recognize that this transformative change cannot be achieved in isolation. By working together with other stakeholders, we can create a ripple effect that benefits everyone. Through our commitment to advocating for a living wage, we aim to inspire broader private sector participation, facilitate the exchange of best practices, and strengthen the ecosystem for equitable economic growth in Sri Lanka.” – Rolf Blaser, Managing Director / CEO, A. Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd.

Hayleys Plantations Sector has been at the forefront of corporate sustainability in Sri Lanka, setting benchmarks in water conservation and climate action.

“Kelani Valley Plantations PLC was the first Sri Lankan company to sign the CEO Water Mandate in 2008, reaffirming our dedication to water conservation and sustainable resource management. Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC became the first Sri Lankan plantation company and the first organization in the country to commit to Science Based Targets in 2019, with our targets officially validated in 2021. These pioneering steps reflect our shared vision for a resilient, responsible, and forward-looking corporate sector. As Patron members of the Water & Ocean Stewardship Working Group (KVPL) and the Climate Emergency Task Force (TTE PLC), we remain committed to advancing collective action. We will continue to foster cross-industry collaboration, share best practices, and lead by example in promoting sustainable development across Sri Lanka.” – Dr. Roshan Rajadurai, Managing Director, Hayleys Plantations Sector

Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC highlights the urgency of sustainable supply chains and water conservation as a Patron of the Sustainable Supply Chain & SME and Water & Ocean Stewardship Working Groups.

“As Patrons for the Sustainable Supply Chain and Water & Ocean Stewardship Working Groups, we recognize the urgent need of improving sustainable supply chains to minimize environmental impact and ensure long-term resilience, while water and ocean stewardship are critical to protecting vital resources and biodiversity. Addressing these issues now is crucial for securing a sustainable future and meeting the increasing demands of stakeholders and consumers.” – U.W. Rishan Sampath, Head of Conservation and Sustainability, Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC

Teejay Group reaffirms its commitment to circular economy principles within the Sustainable Supply Chain & SME Working Group, emphasizing innovation and collaboration.

“As a proud Patron for Circular Economy under the Sustainable Supply Chain Working Group, we are committed to driving sustainable innovation and industry-wide collaboration. Together, we can advance resilient supply chains, close the loop on resources, and build a future where circularity fuels progress. Let’s pioneer scalable solutions aligned with global best practices—because sustainability isn’t just our responsibility; it’s the foundation of a lasting legacy.” – Ishara Perera, Manager – Group Sustainability, Teejay Group

About UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka
Network Sri Lanka is the Country Network of the UN Global Compact, mobilizing businesses to integrate sustainability into their core strategies. Through its Working Groups, the Network facilitates peer learning, collaboration, and collective action to drive meaningful change across industries.