Rooted in Change: Kelani Valley's bold climate crusade with UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka

IN a world gasping under the weight of its own carbon footprint, where floods wash away futures and droughts rewrite destinies, sustainability leadership can no longer be a lofty ambition-it must be a grounded commitment.

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Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka's lush landscapes, where the whispers of the Kelani River weave through verdant estates, a quiet revolution is taking root. Kelani Valley Plantations PLC (KVPL), a beacon of sustainability and ethical agribusiness, has stepped forward as the Patron for the Water & Ocean Stewardship Working Group of UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka (Network Sri Lanka). This is not just a title; it is a testament to KVPL's unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, a journey that began long before this recognition and will continue far into the future.

Legacy of sustainability

"We don't just grow tea, rubber, or coconut. We grow value. We grow accountability. And we grow our future," says KVPL Head and General Manager of HR and Corporate Sustainability Dr. Anuruddha Gamage. Indeed, KVPL's legacy is not merely agricultural, it is environmental. In 2006, they became the first Sri Lankan plantation company to sign the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact. Two years later, they aligned with the CEO Water Mandate. In a sector once defined by monoculture and extraction, KVPL has pioneered a regenerative, research-led model of agribusiness that balances ecological integrity with economic necessity.

KVPL's internal framework, called its Corporate DNA, aligns Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) pillars with global goals and ground realities. "We've never stepped away from this commitment," says Dr. Gamage. "Every year, we've shown improvements-not just in reporting, but in real, measurable impact."

Where business begins with water