Hayleys' fibre sector companies bag triple at NCE Export Awards

Members of the award-winning Hayleys Fibre team with the awards. Bimal Nanayakkara, Kithsiri Palihawadana, Dumindra Abeysekara, Chaminda Peiris, Tharindu Atapattu, Managing Director, Fibre Sector, Prasanna de Silva, CEO of Toyo Cushion, Lignocell and Bonterra, Wasaba Jayasekera, Ranga Dias, Wasantha Kalyana and Kelum Kumara.

Three companies in the industrial fibre sector of the Hayleys Group were honoured for their contributions to Sri Lanka's exports in 2011 at the 20th NCE Export Awards presented by the National Chamber of Exporters.

Toyo Cushion Lanka (Pvt) Ltd won the Gold Trophy, medal and certificate in the 'Agriculture value added - medium sector' category, while Bonterra Lanka Limited was awarded the Silver Trophy, medal and certificate in the same category. Lignocell (Pvt) Limited also received a Silver Trophy, medal and certificate in the 'Agriculture value added - large sector.' "The Hayleys Group's pioneering role as an exporter of coir fibre and fibre-based products in Sri Lanka dates back to over a century, and it is inspiring to see these companies at the forefront in value-added exports today," Fibre Sector Managing Director Prasanna de Silva said.

"The fibre sector has weathered many challenges to remain in an area of immense potential for Hayleys, and the spirit of innovation that Hayleys is reputed for continues to burn strong in this area of enterprise," he said. The Group's Gold award winner Toyo Cushion Lanka (Pvt) Ltd is a Sri Lanka-Japan-Holland joint venture that manufactures mattresses and cushions, erosion control products, horticulture and garden products, and specialised packaging products.

Lignocell (Pvt) Limited processes and exports coir fibre pith in compressed forms such as briquettes, blocks, bales, discs, mulch blocks and grow bags. Bonterra Lanka Limited is a joint venture between Hayleys Exports PLC and Bonterra Germany.

Set up in Galle in 1878, the Hayleys Group employs more than 30,000 people today, and accounts for 2.51 percent of the country's export income.