Annual Report 2010-2011 - Colombo Stock Exchange

Corporate Social Responsibility
A Contribution was made to the Cancer Walk which was
organized by the Sri Lanka Cancer Society by means of a
sponsorship.
Donations in terms of stationery, toys and gifts were made to
the children’s ward at the Cancer Hospital, Maharagama.
The Plantation sector continued to work towards the
improvement of medical facilities on its estates. Many health
camps, including eye camps with replacement of spectacles,
health camps for diabetes and mobile health camps were
conducted.
Assisting education
The Group supported children’s education by donating books,
sport equipment and other educational aids to underprivileged
youngsters. School Bags with a set of books/stationery were
gifted to children who started their school carrier.
Financial Assistance was given to all estate employees’ children
who were qualified for University education as done in the
previous years.
Building infrastructure
During the year under review, renovations were made in the
Line Rooms and Drains, Re-roofing was under-taken in several
estates and Road Development work were undertaken with the
assistance of PHDT.
An 18 passenger bus was purchased for the use of estate
workers to enhance their logistical requirement.
Suppliers
Building lasting partnerships with our suppliers
Our commitment for working in partnership with our suppliers
ensures the best possible service to our customers. We are a
loyal customer to our suppliers, as a good relationship with our
suppliers is vital for our success. Arpico has a large number of
suppliers from different parts of the world. Year after year, the
Group strives to develop partnerships with Small and Mediumsized
Enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka and supports small
producers in Sri Lanka by providing them with guidance in the
use of appropriate technology for manufacture and channels to
market which ultimately contributes to the economic welfare of
the People and Country.
The new supercenters are opened with the concept of “Go
Green” by using energy conserving initiatives such as sky
lighting and water treatment plants which have immensely
contributed to a high energy saving by recycling the energy.
For the first time in the Sri Lankan retail market Arpico
introduced a degradable loyalty card, “Eco Privilege” as an
initiative to protect the environment. Arpico supercenters also
encourage environmentally friendly shopping by promoting the
use of recyclable bags.
The Group plays a key role in the Agricultural Sector and
recognizes that this carries with it many responsibilities in
respect of the environment. The Group obtains environmental
certifications from global and local environmental authorities,
wherever applicable. This includes certifications from the Forest
Stewardship Council, the Central Environmental Authority
and ISO 2000 certificate. The Group focuses on forestry
conservation systems in all its estates and has formulated
and implemented a long term forest management plan for the
sustainable management of forest blocks and harvestable
timber extents.
The Group also encourages individual employees to inculcate
environment-friendly practices in their work habits and their
personal lives. This includes energy conservation and recycling
of waste and by-products. Also colored outdoor bins were
introduced to segregate garbage for recycling purposes.
As a “Go Green” project in order to make a greener future a
green gas unit was developed. This addresses the perennial
problem of disposing garbage (organic waste) and also
provides a clean pure organic fertilizer for every home
Environment
The Group has been committed for environment protection
throughout the operations, particularly by reducing carbon
footprint, saving energy, increasing transport efficiency,
preventing waste and increasing recycling.
Richard Pieris and Company PLC | Annual Report 2010/2011 34