Don’t just tick the box: Strategic imperative for Sri Lankan corporates to integrate sustainability

Embedding sustainability in business models for future-proofing Sri Lankan enterprises

- By Artha Salgado

SUSTAINABILITY has emerged as one of the most critical strategic imperatives of our era, particularly in nations acutely exposed, with economies closely tied to delicate natural and social ecosystems. Sri Lanka, with its rich agricultural exports and thriving apparel sector, finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. As we approach tangible evidence of sustainability progress from both nations and corporates, Sri Lankan enterprises must recognise that the foundations they lay today will determine their ability to respond credibly to these demands.

If organisations wait until the last minute and rely solely on a compliance-centric approach rather than embedding a purpose-driven sustainability dimension into their business strategy, Sri Lankan corporates face a critical turning point. These robust reporting requirements establish a new baseline and align local practices with evolving global expectations. However, there is a real risk that organisations may revert to a box-ticking, compliance-focused mindset, merely meeting minimum standards rather than driving meaningful transformation.

For Sri Lankan companies to truly future-proof themselves, sustainability must be recognised as a core business imperative, one that goes beyond compliance and includes the active inclusion of sustainability professionals in strategic decision-making roles.