SECTOR WINNER PLANTATIONS

TRAILBLAZER IN CORPORATE ETHICS

The Bogawantalawa region, known globally as the ‘Golden Valley of Ceylon,’ is celebrated for its ideal terroir and elevation, producing the perfect cup of high grown Ceylon tea. Its micro-climatic conditions deliver teas with unmatched character, and each sip reflects the region’s exceptional ecosystem. Bogawantalawa Teas offers fully traceable teas, upholding a legacy of quality and innovation for decades. As the world’s first ‘climate-positive’ tea company, it’s renowned for a commitment to ethical practices, sustainable farming, community welfare and supporting the global tea market while contributing to the local economy.

Q: How do you define ‘corporate respect’?

Almas Marikkar (AM): Corporate respect at Bogawantalawa Teas is achieved through our steadfast commitment to ethical practices, employee welfare, customer satisfaction and proactive stakeholder engagement. We prioritise employees, certifying suitable working conditions and ensuring their positive progression, personal safety and welfare.

Bogawantalawa’s dedication to CSR includes sustainable practices that are focused on reducing environmental impact and supporting community welfare. We also foster a diverse and inclusive workplace, maintaining transparency and accountability in all operations.

Q: What does it take to earn and maintain corporate respect today?

Dr. Thusitha Bandara (TB): In today’s volatile business environment, earning and maintaining corporate respect requires strong ethical leadership, transparency and adaptability. As a total value chain partner, we prioritise integrity, fostering a culture of accountability and open communication.

Building resilience through sustainable practices and social responsibility is crucial as is the ability to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances. By engaging consistently with stakeholders, valuing diversity and inclusion, and maintaining a customer-centric approach, we navigate uncertainties while upholding our reputation and earning the respect of both the community and tea industry.

Almas Marikkar
Director and CEO
Bogawantalawa Tea Ceylon

Q: How do employees play a role in the ‘corporate respect’ equation?

TB: Employees are pivotal to the corporate respect equation as they embody the company’s values and culture in everyday interactions. Their behaviour, work ethic and commitment directly reflect an organisation’s respect for its staff.

A company that fosters an environment of mutual respect and appreciation encourages employees to reciprocate, leading to higher engagement, better teamwork, productivity and loyalty in keeping with the organisation’s code of conduct.

Respect is not only a top-down approach but a two-way street where employees feel valued and heard, which in turn, cultivates a positive and respectful corporate atmosphere.

Q: How is your company contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic future?

AM: Bogawantalawa Teas significantly impacts the country’s economic future by leading in tea growing, manufacturing and global marketing, enhancing export revenues and employment opportunities.

Our focus on sustainable and innovative farming practices improves the quality and competitiveness of Sri Lankan tea while supporting local communities through job creation and infrastructure development.

Investing in product innovation, organic offerings and environmentally-friendly practices ensures the long-term viability of the tea industry. We aim to elevate Ceylon tea globally, contributing significantly to its international recognition.

Dr. Thusitha Bandara
Director – Low Country Operations, Sustainability and Research & Development
Bogawantalawa Tea Estates

Q: What new elements of doing business should companies focus on when it comes to earning the respect of stakeholders?

AM: We focus on integrating transparency, ethical practices and sustainability into our business model while acting in a socially responsible manner. We believe in emphasising open communication, accountability, and a genuine commitment to social and environmental responsibility, which helps build trust and credibility.

I would consider upholding our brand promise while reducing our carbon footprint and continuing our climate positive journey as key factors on our journey to success.

Quoting our chairman’s philosophy: we firmly believe that sustainability is in our DNA. Our core values, trust, commitment and teamwork can be considered the magical links to the respect we’ve earned.

QUICK-FIRE ROUND

Three vital ingredients that earn corporate respect

Transparency
Ethical practices
Sustainability

Global organisations that you respect  

We believe in being authentic about all that we claim and do. As such, we hail and endorse all those on an ethical and sustainable journey.

Bogawantalawa Teas exemplifies corporate respect through a commitment to ethical practices, employee welfare and stakeholder engagement. By prioritising transparency, sustainability and a customer-centric approach, the organisation enhances its global competitiveness, and supports the economic and social landscape of Sri Lanka.

Telephone 2510000 | Email inquiry@bogawantalawa.com | Website www.bogawantalawa.com