GRI Care: Giving back to society

As a responsible company, GRI has always recognised the importance of giving back to the country and its people. Historically GRI has focused on the ecosystem that it works within. However, when the nation requires assistance, the company does not hesitate to extend its support. As GRI Managing Director Prabhash Subasinghe says, “It is ingrained in our DNA as an organisation to give back to society.”

GRI has always taken its social responsibility seriously and throughout the years the company has been very active in supporting the communities that are within its ecosystem. Yet, during times of natural disasters or more recently in the case of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, GRI has taken steps to provide its support to areas that require the most urgent assistance even outside its ecosystem. 

“While building the business it is important for any corporate to inculcate a culture within the organisation around supporting people,” explained Subasinghe. “We are also giving back to the country by building the tyre industry, which is predominately engaged in exports. Thus, bringing in the much-needed foreign currency to the country.” 

With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, GRI stepped up its CSR initiatives through the GRI Care program where it supported communities within and outside its ecosystem. Similarly, with the surge of the third wave of the pandemic this year, GRI understood that the entire medical system was stressed and that Government hospitals required support. As soon as the requirements of the hospitals were released Prabhash Subasinghe took the initiative to inquire on the most urgent needs, and within a short period, two high-function ICU beds were donated to the Gampaha Hospital. 

Though it is one of the largest and best-equipped hospitals in the country, the Gampaha Hospital had never received such medical equipment previously. It was indeed encouraging to hear that within a couple of days of providing the ICU beds, a 40-year-old man’s life was saved because the hospital had the necessary equipment. “I am happy that we have been able to make a difference and save lives, said Subasinghe. 

Similarly, GRI has donated ICU beds to the Kosgama Hospital in Avissawella upon the request of the Ministry of Health. The Kosgama Hospital has very limited resources and such medical equipment was an essential requirement. Furthermore, support was provided to the Negombo Hospital in the form of medical equipment as there were critical needs to be fulfilled. 

“Each person contributes in the way they can, the numbers are always relative. We find many individuals assisting as well. But responsible corporates need to step up and give back to the country. That is also a reason we do business, to give back to society,” explained Subasinghe. Recognising that it is the daily wage earners and their families who are severely affected by the current lockdown, GRI distributed food rations to over 350 families on two separate occasions in Colombo. 

GRI sources natural rubber from Sri Lankan farmers. During this period where the farmers are unable to travel to the rubber collection centres in Monaragala, GRI took the initiative to go directly to the farmer to collect rubber, thereby ensuring that the rubber farmers’ livelihoods continue. Even in the future, GRI will look at supporting the rubber farming community during challenging times. 

‘Caring’ is one of the core values of GRI; the company has continuously engaged in programs to support the community within its ecosystem. It has always been part of the organisational culture that it is a primary duty as people to assist the country during times of need where GRI goes beyond their immediate community and supports the greater society. With GRI Care being formalised the company will continue to engage in various projects to assist the people of Sri Lanka. 

“It is important not only for me as an individual but to all our employees to be a part of an organisational culture where caring is a part of our DNA. You need to do the right thing at the right time. For GRI, it is not only about business, we look at humanity first,” explained Subasinghe. 

GRI produces high-grade specialty tyres that are built sustainably using pure natural rubber in Sri Lanka. Founded in 2002, the company produces material handling solid tyres, radial agriculture tyres, and construction tyres. GRI has operations in nine countries, and a business presence in more than 50 countries. In 2018, GRI opened an advanced manufacturing plant in Sri Lanka to produce radial agricultural tyres. In 2020, GRI commenced construction of a large mixing facility for tyre compounds and in 2021 began further expansion of its advanced specialty tyre plant. GRI ensures its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection through all its strategies and processes.