By: Staff Writer
September 17, Colombo (LNW): Dairy Industries Ltd., a prominent player in Sri Lanka’s dairy sector, recently held a successful press conference to reaffirm its commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.
The event underscored the company’s dedication to creating a safe working environment while ensuring adherence to both local and international health, safety, and environmental standards.
As part of its safety strategy, Pelwatte Dairy has embraced ISO 45001, the global benchmark for Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S).
This certification provides a framework designed to enhance employee safety, minimize workplace risks, and improve overall working conditions.
Key goals under this standard include fostering a culture of safety through leadership and employee engagement, complying with local regulations such as the Factory Ordinance, and meeting international standards like those set by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
The company aims to prevent workplace injuries by conducting thorough risk assessments and striving for a zero-accident environment.
Pelwatte Dairy is also focused on enhancing its environmental performance through ISO 14001 certification.
This globally recognized standard offers a structured approach to managing and reducing environmental impact, promoting sustainability across the company’s operations.
By integrating sustainable practices, optimizing resource use, minimizing waste, and improving energy efficiency, Pelwatte Dairy aims to prevent negative environmental impacts.
The company has also adopted the Food Safety System Certification (FSSC), ensuring that its products meet rigorous global food safety standards.
Pelwatte Dairy emphasizes continuous improvement in food safety practices through regular assessments and audits, aligning its operations with international benchmarks.
Managing Director Akmal Wickramanayake highlighted the importance of leadership in setting safety standards and encouraged active employee participation in maintaining a safe workplace. “At Pelwatte, we view safety as a collective responsibility.
By fostering leadership, encouraging employee involvement, and focusing on continuous improvement, we aim to make safety an integral part of our operations,” said Wickramanayake.
He further emphasized the company’s commitment to environmental protection as a fundamental aspect of its sustainable growth strategy.
As Pelwatte Dairy expands into international markets, maintaining high safety and environmental standards is crucial for global competitiveness and upholding its commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.
Assistant Manager – SHEQ Chaminda Lanka echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of integrating safety practices into daily routines.
“We engage with every employee to ensure that safety practices become second nature,” he noted. Risk assessments are central to their safety strategy, enabling proactive management of occupational health and safety risks.
General Manager – Manufacturing Lasantha Silva underscored the company’s adherence to both local and international safety regulations. “
Compliance with safety standards is essential to our operations, protecting our employees and exemplifying responsible business practices in the dairy industry,” he said.
Senior QA Manager Shashikala Madakumbura highlighted the alignment of safety practices with quality management, aiming to identify and mitigate risks affecting both employee well-being and product quality.
Pelwatte Dairy remains dedicated to ongoing improvements in environmental performance, resource efficiency, and pollution reduction. Silva commented, “Continuous improvement is a core principle for us. We are constantly seeking ways to minimize our environmental impact, guided by our ISO 14001 commitment.”
Through its comprehensive safety initiatives and adherence to ISO standards, Pelwatte Dairy Industries continues to lead the dairy industry in Sri Lanka with a strong focus on safety, legal compliance, and environmental sustainability.
