We view sustainability as more than just a business function as we strive to become Sri Lanka's "Most Admired Plantation Company." We have included Economic, Social and HRD and Environmental factors into our sustainable value creation approach in order to maintain our robust and competitive stability within a very dynamic economic environment. The operations in sharing responsibilities in these 3 sectors have assisted us, who believe in win-win situations to attain commercial success.
Our Integrated Environment Conservation Model (IECM) ensures that at each stage of our business process, the negative impact we create on the environment is minimal.
Measures to use fertiliser optimally and responsibly and the implementation of natural means of pest and weed management have resulted in rich and fertile soil.
Vulnerable water sources on our estates, such as water falls, springs and streams are protected by the establishment of chemical free buffer zones. We also conduct periodic testing and purification before the release of effluent water into natural water ways.
As a result, marshes and ravines in the area are now teeming with rare flora and fauna from rabbits to falcons, and butterflies to pond skaters.
Dedicated biodiversity conservation programmes such as the St. Clair Ecosystem Restoration Project have seen the planting of over 18000 native and endemic plants. Community awareness programmes also go in-hand with these initiatives.
As the process of tea manufacturing is highly energy intensive, energy management is vital. To this end, we strive to increase the energy efficiency of our operations, while switching out conventional forms of energy to those that are renewable. Three mini-hydro power plants and solar rooftop projects at our estates are engaged in the production of energy in line with this mission.
Improving climate impacts is also a key focus area to TTE due to our dependence on rainfall and weather patterns. Therefore, by applying globally recognised standards, we manage our GHG emissions. We are the first ever Plantation company in the world to Commit to UN Climate Neutral Now and set Science Based Targets (SBTs) towards zero emissions, which have been verified and approved.
TTE has obtained accreditation and certifications that confirm compliance to globally recognized best environmental management standards and practices. These certifications together with list of awards and accolades received over the past years testify the excellence of our environmental sustainability initiatives.
At TTE, our people are our biggest asset. This ideology, together with the fact that our business model is highly labour intensive, has encouraged us to undertake many initiatives that ensure the wellbeing and progression of our workforce which stands at over 5000 employees.
Among these is the provision of a safe and decent work environment. Backed by a comprehensive Human Resource Policy Framework, we treat all our employees with dignity, provide equal opportunity and respect their human rights.
Stringent non-discriminatory policies ensure race, age and gender do not impact recruitment, remuneration or the ability of employees to carry out their duties successfully.
Investments are made in regular training and development programmes to equip all levels of staff with necessary technical skills and competencies with the aim of enhancing their productivity. These, in turn, also support the professional growth of individual employees. We also encourage employees to engage in other forms of revenue generation so as to enhance their earning capacity and often conduct dedicated programmes to supply them with the necessary knowledge and skills.
We are conscious of our responsibilities and are committed to uplifting the living standards of the local communities by investing in and providing opportunity for economic independence, access to education, healthcare and housing while driving social integration. These programs are built into our benefits package offered to our staff and extend to their families that live within our estates.
‘A Home for Every Plantation Worker’ is our dedicated social development programme, with well-planned initiatives to address community needs, improve their wellbeing and better their standards of living.
Areas of focus under this programme, and the initiatives we undertake include:
Provide infrastructure such as roads, housing, water and sanitation, recreation and learning facilities
Offer housing loans, saving schemes, training on household finance management, microfinance and home gardening.
Immunization programmes to reduce the risk of communicable diseases, antenatal and postnatal care, early childhood development programmes, and dental and other medical clinics.
Extend vocational training opportunities to build skills and expertise, provide scholarships and create awareness on significant social issues.
We firmly believe that economic, social and environmental sustainability go hand in hand. Economic sustainability can only be achieved by being socially and environmentally sustainable. This is especially true in our case, as we are custodians of over 6,492 Ha of land inclusive of sensitive natural systems, and since we are caretakers to a population of over 42,000 estate community.
We are committed to thoroughly engaging with our stakeholders, understanding their concerns, and responding to them appropriately. Proper alignment of the board of directors, the management and the wider company, with the interests of the shareholders, community and the parties within our value chain in this manner, ensures that we deliver shared value.
Economic sustainability at TTE is guided by a strong and robust governance framework that encompasses enhanced accountability, strong risk & opportunity management, performance management, transparency and ethical leadership.
Our commercial successes in both industry and local contexts are testaments to the excellence of the practices and activities that we undertake in order to ensure economic sustainability.
