Q: In brief, what are the main challenges confronting corporates at this time?
A: With indications that another wave of the pandemic will be upon us, there’s a huge challenge for manufacturing companies whose staff must be present on-site to execute their job functions.

In addition to this, being a supplier to food supply chains in various categories means we need to keep our factories running to ensure the availability of products for distribution and sale, and thereby avoid any shortages.

We also work with about 10,000 farmers with whom we maintain a commitment to procure. Meanwhile, agricultural produce needs to be managed immediately to avoid post-harvest losses.

It’s challenging to keep the workforce free of COVID-19 in a period where the rate of infection is extremely rapid.

On the commercial front, with the rupee devaluation and limitation on imports, supply chains are affected, driving costs up at a time when it’s essential to keep our prices low to support consumers who face diminishing purchasing power.

Q: What is your organisation’s stance towards sustainability?
A: Our planet is bursting under the strain of overconsumption and waste. As responsible businesses, we must see how we can contribute to the equilibrium of our planet and society. We all have an opportunity to be more responsible in how we choose to live and work while developing an ecosystem for a better tomorrow.

Q: How is your company planning for the medium term – i.e. for financial year 2021/22 – given the ‘new normal’ era that is now upon us?
A: The new normal has been challenging. We’ve been able to contain the spread of COVID-19 within our organisation by being proactive and constantly educating our staff about the new social norms that need to be practised.

We have also been able to keep our supply chain efficient despite the disruptions and now have greater experience working under the new normal. However, this third wave could prove equally challenging or worse.

Q: What is your take of the ongoing vaccination programme and how critical is it to your company’s prospects this year?
A: Sri Lanka was very fortunate in managing COVID-19 up until now with limited cases of hospitalisations and fatalities. However, with the virus mutating, it’s vital for a greater proportion of the population to be vaccinated to avoid a catastrophe.

We have not been able to effectively roll out our vaccination programme due to supply issues. Nevertheless, industries need to prioritise vaccinating their staff to keep them safe.