Hayleys Chairman’s Awards 2025 honoured teams across the diversified conglomerate for pioneering innovation, ESG leadership, and operational excellence. The annual event highlighted national firsts that strengthen Sri Lanka’s global competitiveness in energy, agriculture, textiles, and logistics.
Hayleys Chairman’s Awards 2025 recognises teams driving business excellence
The Hayleys Chairman’s Awards 2025 showcased transformative projects across multiple sectors, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and long-term competitiveness. Now in its 13th year, the awards ceremony recognised teams whose initiatives addressed global priorities including energy transition, food security, resilience, and social impact.
Hayleys PLC Chairman and Chief Executive Mohan Pandithage presented the Overall Winner Award to Haycarb PLC for its groundbreaking development of specialty activated carbon for silicon-carbon composites used in next-generation lithium-ion battery anodes. The introduction of the HCE 400 Series enhances energy density and battery life, positioning Haycarb strategically within the rapidly expanding global battery and energy storage markets. The project also secured the Innovation Category Award, marking a milestone achievement at the Hayleys Chairman’s Awards 2025.
In the Agriculture Sector, Sunfrost Ltd. was recognised for redefining Sri Lanka’s coconut industry through a sustainability-driven transformation initiative. By integrating renewable energy solutions, improving effluent treatment processes, reducing spoilage, and expanding international market access, Sunfrost strengthened supply-chain resilience and cost efficiency. Its disciplined operational execution earned the Quality and Lean Management Award at the Hayleys Chairman’s Awards 2025, while enhancing the global competitiveness of CocoLife by Hayleys.
The Textiles Sector also demonstrated leadership in sustainability and efficiency. Hayleys Fabric PLC developed a Smart Energy Saving System for Stenter Machines, targeting one of the most energy-intensive processes within textile manufacturing. The automated, low-investment system significantly reduces idle-time energy loss, cuts thermal and electrical consumption, lowers dependence on imported fuels, and prevents approximately 159,600 kg of CO₂e emissions per machine annually. This initiative, aligned with Net Zero 2050 and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) pathways, secured the ESG Category Award at the Hayleys Chairman’s Awards 2025.
Meanwhile, in the Transportation and Logistics Sector, K&A Logistics — a joint venture between Hayleys Advantis Group and Karnaphuli Group — received the Service Excellence Award. The recognition stemmed from establishing 3PL market leadership through record growth and strategic diversification in Bangladesh. The achievement strengthened Advantis’ positioning as a reliable regional logistics partner within the South Asian supply chain ecosystem, further reflecting the cross-sector impact celebrated at the Hayleys Chairman’s Awards 2025.
Speaking at the event, Mohan Pandithage emphasized the role of people-led innovation in strengthening resilience and enriching lives. He noted that these initiatives not only elevate Hayleys’ international standing but also deepen its contribution to Sri Lanka’s economy and society. From advanced battery materials to sustainable agriculture and energy-efficient manufacturing, the awarded projects reflect the enterprise capability of Sri Lankan industry.
The Hayleys Chairman’s Awards 2025 ultimately underscored how innovation, ESG integration, lean management, and service excellence can drive sustainable growth. By aligning business strategy with global development priorities, Hayleys continues to position itself — and Sri Lanka — as a competitive force in global manufacturing, exports, and services.