The pursuit of sustainability has become an increasingly pivotal aspect of corporate responsibility, with organizations worldwide recognizing the imperative to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into their operations. In this context, the ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards 2023 serves as a symbol of acknowledgment for companies showcasing remarkable dedication and excellence in sustainability reporting.
The Chief Guest for the occasion was Christian Skoog, the representative of UNICEF Sri Lanka. In his address, he underscored the significance of listening to the voices and ideas of children for shaping the future of our planet.
The 2023 ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards showcased a diverse range of organizations across multiple sectors competing for recognition in various categories. From banking institutions to conglomerates, finance services to retail, the competition underscored the extensive spectrum of sustainability efforts undertaken by businesses throughout Sri Lanka.
The Banking Category – Sampath Bank PLC emerged as the Runner-up, while Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC and Hatton National Bank PLC claimed the Joint Winner title, reflecting their exemplary efforts in integrating sustainability practices within their financial operations.
Conglomerates & Diversified Category- Hayleys PLC secured the Winner title for their comprehensive sustainability strategies, showcasing their commitment to responsible business practices, followed by Aitken Spence PLC earning the Runner-up position.
Finance Services & Insurance Category – Ceylinco Life Insurance Limited clinched the Winning title, showcasing their dedication towards promoting financial inclusion and sustainable insurance practices, whilst Alliance Finance Company PLC was the runner up.
General Services Category – Dialog Axiata PLC stood out in the General Services Category, securing the Winner title through its commitment to sustainable business practices and technological innovation, further reinforcing its position as a leader in the telecommunications sector.
Leisure & Connected Services Category – John Keells Hotels PLC was recognized as the winner, showcasing its dedication to sustainable tourism and community involvement, while Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC secured the runner-up position.
Retail & Trading Category –Hayleys Fabric PLC claimed the Winning title, while Horana Plantations PLC and Brandix Apparel (Pvt) LTD were the Joint Runners-up, highlighting their efforts towards sustainable sourcing, manufacturing, and supply chain management.
SME Category – Oxford College of Business (Pvt) LTD emerging as the Winner, underscoring the vital role of small and medium enterprises in driving sustainable development with Resus Energy PLC being the runner up.
Overall Winner and Runner-up – Hayleys PLC was crowned as the Overall Winner of the ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards, recognizing its holistic approach towards sustainability across diverse business sectors. Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC was named the Overall Runner-up, further exemplifying the banking sector’s significant contribution to sustainable development.
Nilusha Ranasinghe, Head of South Asia for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) stated ‘as we progress towards a more sustainable future, we believe that the Sustainability Reporting Awards 2023 will help to serve as a driving force in motivating every organization to integrate sustainability into their core business models. As more organizations embrace sustainable practices, the collective effort towards building a more resilient and inclusive society grows stronger. This not only benefits the environment, but also lays the foundation for a more sustainable and equitable future for generations to come.’
