OUR MISSION

TO LEAD in being responsible

corporate citizens. Not because we

are convinced that it is a good way

of doing business, but because we

believe it is the right way of doing

business.

TO STRIVE to make a meaningful

difference everywhere we do business.

TO LISTEN and RESPOND to

environment challenges that affect our

society and our planet.

TO INSPIRE people to work towards

protecting and improving water access

and availability in our communities.

I N S I D E

P – 04-05Diya Siththam

P – 06-09Calendar 2017

P – 10-11Care for Our Own

P – 12-15Calendar 2017

P – 16-17Safe Drinking Water

P – 18-19Model Village

P – 20-21CSR Champions

P – 22Kelani River Initiative

P – 23Blood Drive

P – 24 - 25Calendar 2017

P – 26 - 27Sevanata Saviyak

P – 28 - 30Calendar 2017

P – 31P.A.C.E.

P – 32Community Projects

Welcome to the 2017 edition of the REACH magazine.

This magazine reflects our efforts to inspire and

connect people, and invest in opportunities that we

hope will ultimately empower people.

Our various programs have matured over the years and

have not remained a mere campaign but have become

a widespread program addressing some of the biggest

social issues, as well as establishing a cohesive bond

between the company and its employees, and the

communities around us.

We hope we are setting a good example.

We continue to remain committed and passionate

about our objective and tying our socially responsible

efforts to the company’s core mission.

We have included the Group’s 2017 calendar themed “Inspired by Nature”, in this issue of the magazine

From the Brandix CSR Centre

a

In celebration of World Water Day

2016, which fell on the 22nd of

March, we initiated a wall painting

competition, “Diya Siththam”,

amongst 39 schools selected by

our Strategic Business Units (SBU).

Nine schools stood out and were

named winners of the competition

and their efforts were appreciated through monetary contributions,

which helped improve and enrich

their school facilities. Certificates of participation were awarded to

every student as well.

The theme, “Water for People,

Water by People” was reflected through the murals the students

created. Through this initiative,

these students were given a

platform to visually and creatively

express their views and opinions

regarding the importance of

water, the conservation of water

and how to act responsibly, thus

creating awareness amongst the

students.

Yatawaka Kanishta Vidyalaya – Wathupitiwala

Keenadeniya Vidyalaya – Mirigama

Ganihimulla Primary School – Minuwangoda

Halpathotha Romanu Katholika Vidiyalaya - Koggala

Siyabalapewatte Junior School – Biyagama

Kadawala Navodya Central College – Ratmalana

2017

4

Ibbagamuwa Central College - Rideegama

Thopawewa Maha Vidyalaya – Polonnaruwa

Wickramashila National College - Mirigama

Demuwatha Maha Vidyalaya – Kahawatta

Medirigiriya Central College – Giritale

Welangalla Primary School – Avissawella

Elapitiwala Chandrawansa Maha Vidyalaya - Welisara

Rawathawatta Roman Catholic Vidyalaya - Ratmalana

Ginthota Maha Vidyalaya - Koggala

Peellawatta David De Silva K.V. – Katunayake

Welpalla Maha Vidyalaya - Pannala

Karunarathna Buddhist College - Welisara

Karawita Pagnananda Maha Vidyalaya – Nivithigala

Muwapitiya Maha Vidyalaya - Rambukkana

Sri Rahula Maha Vidyalaya – Ratmalana

2017

5

Care for Our Own

Care for Our Own

An initiative to ensure the provision of clean water supply

to Brandix Associates who are in desperate need. As the flagship

project of Brandix CSR, we hope it will change the lives of our workers, their fam-

ilies and their entire village.

2017

10

Care for Our Own

2017

11

PROVISION OF SAFE DRINKING WATER

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) prevalent in the North Central

Province (NCP) and certain other provinces of Sri Lanka

is one of the major health issues faced by the country

during the last few decades. According to the WHO/

Ministry of Health study, in the endemic areas 5 to 10% of

the population were affected and the disease was on the

increase. In Anuradhapura District alone 18,000 cases of

CKD are reported with over 200 deaths recorded annually.

CKD has become a serious issue to the affected

communities. Often, the bread winner becomes a patient

thus affecting their livelihood. Children and young adults

also have been victims. The communities are subject to

trauma and even social stigma as the disease is considered

irreversible with medication.

While the researches carried out pointed at agro-chemicals

as the main culprit, it was observed that areas that enjoyed

good quality water were free of the disease while areas

where the groundwater contained hardness and fluoride

were affected.

After considering various options NWSDB adopted the

strategy to provide small reverse osmosis (RO) plants at

village level to provide the CKD affected areas with good

quality treated groundwater for their drinking and cooking

purposes.

This program commenced in 2013 and 3 systems were

in operation in Rambewa and Padaviya by end 2013. The

initial feedback from the beneficiaries was encouraging and

NWSDB had decided to launch on an accelerated program

to increase the coverage.

Considering the importance of this initiative from a

humanitarian point of view Brandix decided to partner

NWSDB by supporting ‘program implementation and

sustainability’ for a period of two years.

The activities were confined to the districts of Anuradhapura

and Polonnaruwa in the North Central Province which

accounted for 70% of the CKD patients. Under the program

NWSDB procures the small RO plants complete with

necessary pumps, water tanks, accessories and civil works,

trains the community organisation (CBO) and hands over the

facility to the CBO for operation.

Nihal Ferdinando Former Additional General Manager of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board

16

2017

Small water systems sprung up in the remote villages

of NCP. By end 2014 there were 14 water systems in

operation. By this time residents had realized the health

benefits of good quality water supplied through these

systems. Stomach irritation and urine discomfort which are

considered precursors of CKD had almost disappeared. An

evaluation of beneficiary patients indicated that they were

stable or in some cases improving.

The demand for these water systems increased. The

government realising the importance of providing good

quality water as a measure to mitigate/control CKD, decided

to accelerate the implementation. The intervention of Brandix

to provide implementation support was crucial at this

stage. By mid 2016 about 120 village level water systems

were in operation benefitting a population of over 200,000.

These CBO operated systems have been proved to be

sustainable. Water was sold initially at Rs. 1.00 or 1.50 per

litre. Now most CBOs sell at 75 cents a litre which makes it

more affordable for the residents who are able to get their

requirements of safe drinking water well within Rs. 300 per

month.

The outcome of the program impact survey carried out by

NWSDB reveals that the residents are very appreciative and

satisfied regarding provision of safe drinking water; they are

convinced of the health benefits and expect these systems

to continue; CBOs are operating the systems satisfactorily

and have substantial surpluses part of which could be

harnessed for sustainability of the systems.

There is a lot of merit to expand further this strategy to

provide safe drinking water in NCP and other CKD affected

areas. The sustainability aspects need further strengthening.

The intervention by Brandix in providing implementation and

sustainability support for this program was very effective and

paved the way for finding a solution to control the epidemic

of CKD which affected thousands of people in the NCP

and other areas of the country. Provision of good quality

water has brought back ‘Hope’ to an otherwise desperate

community.

17

2017

Model Village

18

2017

Model Village

Inspired by the temple, school

and tank – centered village

development concept of yore,

this program identified and

addressed water and sanitation

related issues facing people

resident within a five kilometer

radius of the Group.

19

2017

CSR Champions Priyanke Weerasinghe Essentials, Nivithigala

I believe water is one of the most valuable treasures of the world and is one day going to be priceless. Essentially all the CSR initiatives taken up by Brandix revolves around water, which is a vital need amongst many associates. As the CSR coordinator I play the part of managing the various water initiatives carried out by Brandix catering to those employees with a requirement for water.

The time and effort I put into carrying out projects are not in vain as I see the positive effect on the lives of the associates through the initiatives. As I continue to carry out this role of the CSR Coordinator I will overlook all obstacles I will face when managing projects and strive to do each project to the best of my ability as no one deserves to be deprived of an essential need as water.

It is a great honour and joy to be a part of such initiatives. It gives me ultimate happiness seeing the benefits reaped by the associates, easing their lives and improving their well-being by the water facilities they received.

2017

20

CSR Champions CSR Champions

Kulasegaram JeyasankarEssentials, Batticaloa

I started working at Brandix in 2012 as a Human Resource Executive. After 2 years of service I undertook the role of a CSR coordinator, little did I know how enriching this role would be to me, personally and career wise. Through this role, I witnessed first-hand the benefits of the CSR projects on the associates’ lives.

Being able to spend time with the associates and help them was truly a blessing. Even though their needs are immeasurable, I am immensely grateful for the opportunity at hand- to provide them with the basic need of water. Serving these associates was as fruitful as serving God.

During my 2 years as a CSR coordinator, I gained vast experience that helped me develop and cultivate particular skills such as project management. Through this I am confident that I will be able to implement and coordinate projects more efficiently in the future. Despite the many challenges and obstacles I faced when implementing projects, I was determined to see every project through.

I am glad that this experience did not limit me to the office, but instead I was able to form relationships with the associates and extend a helping hand to them. This helped me understand their needs and pushed me to always go the extra mile. The CSR division should continue to implement these projects and it should continue to fill the need for water.

2017

2121

Brandix enters into a unique partnership with the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to conserve the Kelani River

The majority of the population in Colombo and Greater Colombo, are highly dependent on the Kelani River, as it is the primary source of drinking water, while over 10,000 industries and businesses, including several of our Strategic Business Units (SBU) are dependent on the river to carry out its functions.

Currently the National Water Supply and Drainage Board is treating the water supplied from the Kelani River Basin to ensure safe drinking water for the people. Being surrounded by the many homes and industries, the Kelani River is victim to high levels of discharge and pollution.

As an initial step, Brandix has collaborated with the IUCN to financially support the IUCN in order to opera-tionalize the Kelani River Multi-stakeholder Partnership (KRMP), by setting up an online monitoring mechanism

to assess the quality of water across the river basin, fo-cusing on Seethawaka and Biyagama Industrial zones; where our factories are present. The project will also include an assessment of the 71 minor water sheds within the Kelani River basin. The assessment will be carried out bi-annually, enabling an elaborate report indicating the pollution sources and levels of discharge in to the river.

Through this initiative, Brandix, together with IUCN and other Government initiatives, aim to provide safe drinking water to the millions of people dependent on it and sustain the river and the community around the Kelani River Basin.

22

2017

Blood Drive Campaign 2016

23

2017

SEVANATA SAVIYAK

In May 2016, Sri Lanka faced extreme weather conditions causing severe floods and landslides which led to the destruction of many of our Associates’ homes.

Together with Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka, Brandix rebuilt the homes of 13 Associates.

In addition, the company funded the repairs of 47 homes of Associates whose houses were partially damaged.

*Published by Habitat for Humanity, Sri Lanka (HFHSL)

26

2017

27

2017

The 8 modules of the P.A.C.E. Program

P.A.C.E.

P.A.C.E. (Personal Advancement and

Career Enhancement) is a global

program by Gap Inc. designed for female

associates to hone in on their personal

and professional skills.

The P.A.C.E. program was initiated across the Group in 2012 and was relaunched in 2016. The 8 modules that comprise the program is mainly focused on implanting skills and knowledge, which in turn will transform the lives of our Associates. As the pilot phase, the program was launched across 5 factories.

2017

31

Community Projects

Mithuru Mithuru Children’s Home - NivithigalaUniversity of Colombo’s Science Faculty

Sacred Heart Sunday School - BollathaSri Vijaya Anandaramaya - Dompe

32

2017

The World’s First LEED Platinum Rated Apparel Factory Pledge Support to United Nations Global Compact

Parter of the Global Water Partnership

Contact us with your comments / suggestions:

The Brandix CSR Division23-25, Rheinland Place, Colombo 03. Sri Lanka

info@brandix.com