By: Staff Writer
February 25, Colombo (LNW): The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a resilient and competitive private sector in Sri Lanka. Recognizing the evolving challenges businesses face in the current economic landscape, the EFC is committed to fostering sustainable and inclusive business practices.
Through its initiatives, the Federation aims to equip enterprises with the knowledge and strategies needed to thrive amidst turbulence while promoting long-term growth and stability.
A key initiative in this regard is the highly anticipated Employers’ Symposium 2025, scheduled for 28 February at the Monarch Imperial.
This annual event, a flagship gathering for EFC member companies and business stakeholders, will be held under the theme “Traversing Turbulence – Fuelling Enterprises for Success.”
Featuring esteemed speakers and industry experts, the symposium will delve into crucial issues impacting businesses, providing actionable insights for sustainable progress.
Joni Simpson, Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, underscores the need for businesses to be competitive, socially responsible, and adaptable to external challenges, such as climate change.
At the symposium, she will address the topic, “Responding to the Demographic and Social Environment by Building an Inclusive Workplace.” Simpson highlights that fostering workplace diversity is essential for business success, driving innovation, productivity, and employee retention.
According to her, inclusive policies contribute to economic growth, promote decent work, and uphold social justice by ensuring fair treatment, equal opportunities, and protection from discrimination.
The EFC’s role in championing inclusive workplaces is significant, Simpson notes, as it leads efforts in promoting responsible, sustainable, and equitable business practices.
She sees the symposium as an invaluable platform for companies to exchange ideas, learn from industry experts, and advance strategies for a stronger private sector.
Another key speaker, Nirmal Perera, Senior General Manager – Group ESG and Compliance at Brandix Apparel Ltd., will provide insights into the critical role of compliance in business stability and growth. Perera emphasizes that adherence to regulatory and social compliance requirements not only mitigates legal risks and operational disruptions but also enhances brand reputation, fosters customer trust, and ensures workplace safety.
Compliance, he asserts, aligns with sustainability goals, improves financial stability, and enables access to global markets.
Despite its benefits, compliance presents significant challenges, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Perera highlights issues such as rapidly evolving regulations, high compliance costs, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and the complexities of maintaining supply chain accountability.
He notes that adherence to compliance standards can serve as a safeguard during economic crises by ensuring business credibility, investor confidence, and workforce stability.
Initiatives like the EFC Symposium provide a much-needed platform for businesses to address these challenges. Perera acknowledges the event’s role in fostering meaningful discussions, offering strategic guidance, and advocating for policies that support sustainable business growth.
By facilitating collaboration among industry leaders, the symposium aims to equip enterprises with the tools necessary to navigate uncertainties and seize emerging opportunities.
