Link Natural’s ‘Saara Osu’ Project Wins Best Sustainability Projects Award 2024
Link Natural, a subsidiary of CIC Holdings specializing in herbal products, has been awarded the Best Sustainability Projects Award 2024 at the Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. The accolade recognizes the company’s ‘Saara Osu’ project, which addresses Sri Lanka’s dependency on imported herbal materials while economically empowering local communities.
Sri Lanka’s Ayurvedic and herbal products industry faces challenges due to its reliance on imports, affecting quality, cost, and sustainability. The ‘Saara Osu’ project seeks to overcome these challenges through initiatives like own land cultivation, out-grower programs, and sustainable wild harvesting. It also aligns with five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 1: Economic Empowerment of Rural Farmers: By the 2024/25 financial year, Rs. 32 million will have been distributed among 360 out-grower farmers.
- SDG 5: Equal Opportunities and Women Empowerment: Over 50% of the project’s out-grower farmers are women.
Priyantha Collonnege, Head of Agriculture and Manager – CSR and ER at Link Natural, said, “This award is a testament to our team’s dedication to sustainability and environmental preservation. We will continue implementing strategies to enhance our practices and serve the communities around us.”
The project provides multiple benefits to its out-grower network, including access to healthy planting material, buy-back agreements, stable pricing, agri-technology training, and loan facilities.
Ashan Ransilige, CEO of Link Natural, emphasized the company’s commitment to ethical sourcing and community empowerment, stating, “Sustainability is not a trend but a core value. This recognition reflects our efforts to minimize environmental impact, promote ethical practices, and empower local communities.”
Through its innovative approach, Link Natural is setting a benchmark for sustainable practices in Sri Lanka’s herbal product industry.
