Sri Lanka’s first multinational textile manufacturer, the Teejay Group
proudly hosted its Inaugural Sustainability Summit, marking a significant
milestone as Sri Lanka’s first-ever sustainability summit in the textile
industry on 13th August in Colombo. This event highlighted Teejay’s role as a
leader in the industry, not only in financial performance but also in
sustainability and Environment, social and governance (ESG) practices.
The event was hosted based on the need to expand focus to address both
chemical management and the broader aspects of sustainability. This summit
marks Teejay Groups first step forward in that very journey.
The Teejay Group has consistently set benchmarks in the local textile
fraternity by pioneering sustainability initiatives. Through collaboration with
other industry leaders, the Teejay Group reinforced its commitment to achieving
the sustainability goals outlined in its ABHIVARHA 2030 roadmap. The event
underscored Teejay’s ongoing efforts to position Sri Lanka as an ethical sourcing
hub in the competitive global textile market.
The summit covered important topics such as the Importance of Sustainability
to Textile & Apparel Industry, Integrating ESG to Future of Sustainable
Textile Industry (Climate Actions), Traceability & Transparency in The
Global Textile & Apparel Industry, National Policies, Strategy, Plans and
Actions for Textile Industry, Alignment of Textile Industry Strategies to UN
SDG Goals, Consumer Demands and Future Brand Requirements in Fashion Industry,
Chemical Management Framework in Textile Industry and Future of Fashion
and Driving Towards Future of Fashion with Technology
A key highlight of the summit was the awarding of the Carbon Zero
Certification, reflecting Teejay’s significant strides toward reducing its
environmental impact. The event also showcased innovative solutions, best
practices, technology, and digitalization aimed at achieving greater
sustainability in textile production. It fostered collaboration among industry
stakeholders, including textile manufacturers, brands, chemical suppliers,
government agencies, and NGOs, with the goal of developing a roadmap for
transitioning the textile industry toward a more sustainable future.
The summit featured a distinguished panel of experts, including Dr. Anil
Jasinghe as the Chief Guest & delivered the keynote speech setting the
background for the three key sessions. The main panel discussion on “The
future of fashion, technologies & ESG integration in the textile industry”
where industry veterans shared their expertise. Prof. Ajith de Alwis, Chief
Innovation Officer of the National Innovation Agency; Rathika de Silva,
Executive Director of UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka; and Yohan Lawrence,
Secretary General of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), Eranga Dilhan
– General Manager, Sustainable Business – MAS KREEDA, Pubudu De Silva, Chief
Executive Officer, Teejay Group & Dr Saranga Alahapperuma Chairman,
Industrial Development Board Sri Lanka. The panellists addressed a range of
critical topics that are pivotal to the future of the textile industry.
Discussions included, academia, corporate angle, brand perspective & policy
making, and the local and international frameworks.
The second session of the summit covered Chemical management framework in
the textile industry & future of fashion where Dr. Siva Pariti, Member of
the Trustee Board, Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) United Kingdom ,
Senior Technical Marketing Officer, BluWin & Mr Prasad Pant, South Asia
Director and Competence Centres Director ZDHC Foundation spoke extensively
about the drive towards safer chemistry & circularity. The third session
featured technical presentation, including Merging sustainable technical
solution on textile & apparel industry. During this session, Adam Root, CEO
of Matter, UK covered the topic of Innovative solutions for microfiber
detachment in the fashion industry, Dr. Nuwan De Silva, Senior Principle
Scientist spoke extensively about Technology integration for sustainable
textile production and future of fashion & Rakesh Patwari, Regional Head of
Solutions Structuring, South and South East Asia, Global Trade Solutions, HSBC:
climate financing & green economy.
As a leader in the export market, Teejay not only contributes significantly
to export revenue but also upholds its responsibility as a corporate entity by
positioning Sri Lanka as an ethical sourcing hub on the global stage. Teejay,
as the first multinational knit fabric mill in Sri Lanka, has made remarkable
progress in its sustainability journey, demonstrating an unwavering commitment
to preserving the planet.
Commenting on the Summit, Teejay Group CEO, Pubudu De Silva said, “At
Teejay, sustainability is not just a goal; it’s a core value that guides every
aspect of our business. Our commitment to a greener future is reflected in the
innovative practices we implement and the collaborations we foster across the
industry. Hosting Sri Lanka’s first-ever Sustainability Summit in the textile
industry is a testament to our leadership and dedication to driving change. By
bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, we will
explore solutions for a greener future for textiles. We believe that by setting
benchmarks today, we are paving the way for a more sustainable tomorrow.”
Adding further, Mendaka Hettithanthri, Deputy General Manager – Engineering
& Sustainability said, “Our journey towards sustainability is fuelled by a
relentless pursuit of excellence to protect our planet. Every step we take is
aimed at minimizing our environmental footprint while maximizing positive
impact. Teejay’s efforts on sustainability are intertwined, ensuring that
innovation goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship. By integrating
cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices, we are redefining the
future of textile manufacturing.”
Teejay’s inaugural summit was a testament to its pioneering spirit in
sustainability, setting the stage for future initiatives that will continue to
advance the industry’s sustainability agenda.
Photo caption-
The Chief Guest, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Senior Additional Secretary, Presidential Secretariat and CEO, Climate Change Office Sri Lanka and the panellists at the Discussion on the Future of Fashion, Technology and ESG integration in the Textile Industry, at the First -ever Inaugural Sustainability Summit by Teejay Group.
