- Expands sourcing beyond traditional coconut triangle to North and East
- Works with women to improve social impact and household income
- Accommodation and transportation set up to facilitate female workforce in the region
Expanding its supplier base for coconut-related raw materials, Sri Lanka’s leading manufacturer of value-added coconut fibre products and a subsidiary of the Hayleys Group, Hayleys Fibre, set up new operations in the Northern and Eastern provinces, expanding its supplier base by 20%.
Working with women-headed households in the area, Hayleys Fibre expanded its operations beyond the traditional coconut triangle to Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Pallai, Ampara and Pollonaruwa. The move creates a network of smallholders in the Northern and Eastern provinces offering many households with new opportunities.
“The Hayleys Group, since its inception 145 years ago, has played a significant role in manufacturing value-added coconut products. Having worked extensively with smallholder farmers in the traditional coconut triangle, we believe we have the tools and the know-how to create flourishing networks across the island.
“Our expansion into the Northern and Eastern Provinces over the past few years is a testament to this. Thus far, we are connected to over 30 farmers in the region, and we look forward to strengthening this relationship further in the coming years,” Eco Solutions Managing Director, Rajeeve Goonetilleke said.
The manufacturer took steps to provide housing at nearby locations for its employees to overcome the challenges of obtaining transportation.
In addition to increasing its footprint in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, Eco Solutions is also expanding its supplier base to other areas in Southern Sri Lanka, at locations such as Buttala, Monaragala, Embilipitiya and Suriyawawa.
Hayleys Fibre, the flagship entity behind the Eco Solutions Sector of the Hayleys Group, is a leading manufacturer and exporter of value-added coconut fibre products. Reputed globally for its innovative and tailor-made eco-friendly solutions, the company manufactures and distributes more than 100 products, both locally and internationally, serving the needs of diverse customers, including reputed retailers and DIY outlets globally.