SECTOR WINNER MANUFACTURING

LANKATILES is the pioneer in wall and floor tile manufacturing in Sri Lanka. Established in 1977, the company has grown to become a prominent player in the local and international tile markets. Known for its wide range of high quality products that cater to both residential and commercial markets, LANKATILES offers a wide range of designs, sizes and finishes to suit diverse customer preferences. The organisation is renowned for its commitment to innovation, sustainable practices and stringent quality standards in manufacturing, ensuring customers receive high quality, durable and stylish tiles.

Q: Are corporates operating in Sri Lanka doing enough to earn the respect of their stakeholders – and on what grounds, if so?

A: Today, corporates have numerous opportunities to enhance stakeholder respect through various initiatives and there remains room for improvement.

Many companies can prioritise more transparent communication, ensuring stakeholders are better informed about corporate decisions, financial performance and strategic directions, fostering greater trust and cultivating a more positive corporate image.

There’s a growing focus on ethical business practices and sustainability – including environmentally-friendly methods, ethical sourcing and CSR initiatives – all boosting corporate reputation and stakeholder trust.

To enhance this, companies should invest more in empowerment and engagement programmes, such as professional development and inclusive work environments, for both internal and external stakeholders.

They should also engage actively with customers, suppliers and the broader community. Additionally, businesses should participate actively in community development programmes to contribute to social upliftment – especially given current economic conditions.

Mahendra Jayasekera
Managing Director

Q: What does it take for companies to earn respect internationally? 

A: Earning respect internationally requires Sri Lankan corporates to move beyond local operations and unleash their full potential. It’s important to ensure a thorough understanding of market conditions, buyer behaviour and regulatory practices to achieve this status.

For instance, LANKATILES is the only Sri Lankan brand to carry the name ‘Lanka’ to the world. The organisation has established its presence in more than 12 destinations across five countries, demonstrating the importance of understanding international markets to position products effectively.

The Unites States is a key export market for LANKATILES with our office being situated in Dallas, Texas. We employ an agile approach, seamlessly adapting strategies from Sri Lankan conditions to align with the dynamics of the US market. This involves a keen understanding of the competitive landscape and market practices unique to the region.

Q: In what ways do technological advancements help or hurt corporates, in the context of establishing and maintaining respect?

A: Technological advancements – including digital, social media and AI – have both positive and negative impacts on corporates in the context of establishing and maintaining respect.

On the positive side, these technologies enable companies to cater to a wider audience, increasing brand awareness and recall rates, through reach and impression-based campaigns on social media and other digital platforms. Additionally, the development of AI tools exposes companies to new marketing strategies and efficiencies.

However, the negatives include constant surveillance and real-time monitoring of corporate activities. A single negative post on social media can damage a company’s reputation, making it imperative for businesses to navigate technologies mindfully. This can really challenge corporate leadership and bring out their best.

Q: What are the key attributes of your company’s image, in your opinion?

A: We believe key attributes that define LANKATILES’ image, which contributed to our ranking among the Most Respected this year, are quality, trust and commitment to maintaining longstanding relationships with our key stakeholders.

We prioritise delivering high quality products and services consistently, which has earned us the trust and loyalty of customers, partners and the community.

QUICK-FIRE ROUND

Three vital ingredients that earn corporate respect

Ethical practices
Transparency
Standing for what is right

Three global organisations that you respect  

Tata
Toyota
Apple

LANKATILES has underscored its excellence through a commitment to quality, trust and enduring stakeholder relationships. Through transparent communication, ethical practices and robust community engagement, the organisation has earned stakeholder respect domestically and successfully expanded its footprint internationally.

Telephone 4526700 | Email info@lankatiles.com | Website www.lankatiles.com