Ocean Lanka Employees Champion Partnership with ‘Trail 2016’
Ocean Lanka recently partnered Trail 2016 as Bronze Sponsor in aid of the charity’s drive to raise awareness on cancer and in raising US$ 5 million, which will go towards building a state-of-the-art cancer treatment facility at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital in Galle. The company pledged a substantial donation to the cause which was enthusiastically supported by its employees, who collectively contributed a further donation towards the noble cause. Trail was initiated in 2011 in conjunction with the Colours of Courage Trust in an effort to bring communities from across Sri Lanka together to collectively drive the nation’s fight against cancer. The initiative was started by two friends and colleagues – Sarinda Unamboowe and Nathan Sivagananathan.
Ocean Lanka has always engendered a culture of sustainable citizenship within its workplace and this came to the fore when 100 of its staff members participated in the Colombo leg of Trail 2016. The company’s legacy of ethical and sustainable practices has engendered in its employees a strong sense of ownership for the well-being of the community coupled with the desire to volunteer their resources for the benefit of all stakeholder groups.
Commenting on the company’s partnership with Trail 2016, Dr Austin Au Managing Director of Ocean Lanka said, “Trail 2016 signifies the unity of spirit in Sri Lanka as it has brought people from all walks of life to work towards a common cause. Witnessing our staff contributing in such an enthusiastic manner to this cause gives us an immense sense of pride. We have repeatedly stressed on the fact that our employees are our invaluable assets and by volunteering so selflessly in Trail 2016 by way of donations and participating in the walk itself, displays their strong sense of citizenship. Ocean Lanka has a strong track record in carrying out impactful social and environmental sustainability strategies supported by the management and staff.”
Established in 1996, Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd is Sri Lanka’s largest weft knitted fabric manufacturer that counts over 20 years of experience in producing high quality, world class fabrics. The company was set up as a joint venture between Hong Kong based listed Fountain Set (Holdings) Limited, one of the world’s largest circular knitted fabric manufacturers along with local apparel giants Brandix Lanka Limited and the Hirdaramani Group. Its major international client base comprises Victoria’s Secret, Tommy Hilfiger, Marks & Spencer, Nike, Next and Gap while its local clients include Brandix Lanka Limited, Hirdaramani Group, MAS Holdings and Next Manufacturing. Ocean Lanka operates a state-of-the-art production facility with extensive R&D capabilities and has a strong focus on sustainability and environmental conservation.
