By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): The Centre for Child Rights and Business in Sri Lanka is brewing a transformation in the tea industry as it prepares to host its annual “Co-Creating a Family-Friendly Tea Industry” conference on October 17.
The theme of the conference 2023 is ‘Dignity’ and it will be held in the capital of Colombo.
Supported by Save the Children’s Country Office in Sri Lanka and the Planters Association of Ceylon, this multi-stakeholder event marks a significant step forward in the quest for dignity and child rights within the tea sector.
The Centre launched the Child Rights in Business (CRIB) Tea platform. This innovative platform has initiated a culture of collaboration and idea-sharing among stakeholders, igniting a fresh wave of solutions and initiatives.
At the core of this year’s conference is the mission to co-create solutions for child rights challenges, including critical discussions on key priorities affecting tea plantation communities, encompassing youth skill development, parental care, housing and land rights, fair wages, child protection, education, and gender equity in the tea industry.
Notably, The Centre will recognise outstanding Seal members who have demonstrated their commitment to child rights and made positive strides since the CRIB platform was launched.
Dr. Ines Kaempfer, CEO of The Centre, underscores the importance of making supply chain and business processes family-friendly, elevating the quality of life for employees.
Echoing this statement, Ahila Thillainathan, the Country Director for The Centre in Sri Lanka, emphasised the goal of embedding child rights in every facet of business operations. “
Dr. Roshan Rajadurai, Media Spokesperson for the Planters Association of Ceylon, further stressed the need for unified action, particularly in the face of current economic challenges. “For decades, women have been the backbone of Sri Lanka’s tea industry. It is our collective responsibility to safeguard these vulnerable populations.”
Julian Chellappah, Country Director of Save the Children’s Country Office in Sri Lanka added “For over 8 years, Save the Children has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of children in tea estates, supporting local child protection systems and empowering youth to stand up for their rights.
Central to the conference’s spotlight is The Centre’s ground-breaking “Mother and Child-Friendly Seal for Responsible Business,” introduced in 2022.
This pioneering initiative equips businesses to evaluate and address child rights risks within their operations and supply chains, fostering collaboration with diverse stakeholders. For further information on the “Mother and Child-Friendly Seal for Responsible Business
The ‘Co-Creating a Family Friendly Tea Industry’ Conference 2023 is set to bring a diverse group of integral stakeholders to the table in reimagining business practices with dignity and child rights at the forefront.
