By continuing to expanding its global footprint in order to achieve sustained growth, as well as remain competitive in the rapidly evolving local and global business landscapes, Expolanka Holdings has remained proactively focussed on growing its core business. This is also in the process of expanding into new markets to unlock fresh revenue streams and foster innovation. The conglomerate is a strategic investment vehicle for globally iconic businesses in logistics, leisure, IT and fresh produce – and with its subsidiary EFL being positioned as one of the top 25 freight forwarders in the world.

Q: How has your organisation gained respect over the years?

A: Over the last 45 years, Expolanka Holdings has grown to become one of the largest conglomerates in Sri Lanka, consistently demonstrating excellent corporate practices that create value for our stakeholders – customers, employees, business partners and regulators – and engendering trust.

Our sound reputation can be attributed to a corporate culture and the values that are embedded in our DNA. Those values are centred on ethical business practices, stakeholder interest, commitment to excellence and innovation, and entrepreneurship, which emanate from our CEO and are adopted across the group.

Moving towards greater integration, we have looked to sharpen the realignment between our sustainability strategy and business goals so that we may create meaningful economic, social and environmental progress.

Expolanka Holdings is an international player that’s adept at dealing with diverse global customers and employee bases across almost 40 cultures – reflecting the strength of our values, which enable us to gain trust across markets and brands. Our comprehensive corporate governance policies provide an ethical framework.

The local and international awards won by us reflect how we are perceived by our customers, partners and stakeholders. Expolanka Holdings is amongst the top tier employers in Sri Lanka and the world, reflecting the integrity and respect we have earned.

Q: What are the key attributes of your organisation that command respect?

A: The main attribute is that we have become true partners for our customers by integrating them into their supply chain. We believe actions speak louder than words, which is why we deliver on our promises consistently while respecting and valuing our stakeholders.

As a listed entity, we adhere to a regimen of corporate governance standards. Since our parent company is listed in Japan, there are certain additional governance requirements that we meet beyond the requirements of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and other regulatory bodies in Sri Lanka.

Q: How important is it for businesses to uphold corporate respect – especially during an economic crisis?

A: Our actions over the last several years – through the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis – demonstrate our approach to upholding our values. Although we faced headwinds from a global perspective, we continued to invest into our people, relationships and values.

Besides salary adjustments in line with inflationary pressures, we gifted ration packs, extended subsidies and arranged transportation services to staff at the height of the crisis.

Q: Is environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) sufficiently represented in the ‘corporate respect’ equation?

A: ESG is at the core of our values, and driven by our board and senior leadership. Our ESG policies are in line with international standards – simply because as a global company, we are frequently monitored, evaluated and audited globally, by customers and business partners. We practise continuous improvement in our ESG practices; be it in governance, sustainability or environmental consciousness.

Q: What is the importance that corporates should place on continuous innovation as a means of gaining respect?

A: This is extremely high priority in the current context as a crisis can sometimes stunt or drive innovation. We consider innovation as a key pillar because it brings us closer to our customers, partners, employees and stakeholders, enabling us to increase our engagement with them. The company was unaffected by the economic crisis in Sri Lanka because almost 98 percent of our business is generated from global revenue streams.

The Expolanka Group is confidently navigating the global economic slowdown by leveraging on two years of extraordinary profitability, expanding where necessary – and also where value and scale exist – whilst building efficiencies, becoming more agile, improving internal processes and driving innovation.

QUICK-FIRE ROUND

Three priorities for Sri Lankan corporates today
Being value driven
Integrity
Seeking excellence and striving beyond boundaries

Three most vital professional values for business leaders
Building trust with stakeholders
Creating value for stakeholders
Delivering on promises and consistency of actions

Telephone: 4659500 | Email: info@expolanka.com | Website: www.expolanka.com