Advantis Embeds ESG Principles to Drive Sustainable Growth and Create Long-Term Value

Blue Carbon awareness session for foreign dignitaries at the Anawilundawa Ramsar Wetland

Emergency response training for Advantis employees

As sustainability reshapes business models and value creation, the transportation and logistics sector, which faces significant decarbonisation challenges, has an important role to play in supporting a more resilient future. Advantis, the transportation and logistics arm of Hayleys PLC, is advancing this transition by embedding environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles across its operations, sustainability initiatives and stakeholder engagement.

With over six decades of experience, Advantis is Sri Lanka’s most diversified transportation and logistics services provider. The Group delivers end-to-end solutions across Integrated Logistics, Freight Management, Marine and Energy, Project Logistics, Travel and Aviation, and other specialised services, with operations spanning Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

The scale and complexity of these activities require sustainability considerations to be integrated into how the Group plans its operations, delivers services and prepares for future growth. This commitment is guided by HELIOS, Advantis’ ESG strategy, which is aligned with the Hayleys Lifecode and built around seven key pillars: Energy, Emissions, Biodiversity, Employee Engagement, Community Engagement, Safety and Governance. Through HELIOS, Advantis embeds sustainability into decision-making and long-term growth.

Advancing ESG Through Responsible Business Practices

For Advantis, this approach balances environmental stewardship, social responsibility and strong governance across its operations.

The environmental dimension focuses on reducing operational impacts, improving resource efficiency and supporting climate action and ecosystem conservation. Energy and emissions management, waste reduction, responsible asset use and process optimisation are embedded into operations, while technology, data and continuous improvement initiatives support informed decision-making while maintaining service reliability.

The social dimension reflects the Group’s commitment to its employees, customers and communities. Employee well-being, workplace safety, diversity and inclusion, skills development and community engagement remain central to building a responsible and future-ready organisation. Through Advantis DNA, the Group fosters an inclusive workplace culture by empowering its multi-generational workforce, encouraging participation and creating space for diverse perspectives.

Advantis also invests in future talent and the wider transportation and logistics ecosystem through Advantis All Around, which provides university students with mentorship, industry exposure and practical learning opportunities while creating greater awareness of career pathways within the sector.

Governance underpins the Group’s approach to ethics, compliance and risk management. Effective oversight, transparent decision-making and responsible conduct enable Advantis to manage risk, maintain stakeholder confidence and build resilience across its operations and relationships.

Commenting on the Group’s ESG direction, Advantis Group Managing Director Ruwan Waidyaratne stated, “ESG is central to how Advantis operates and prepares for the future. Through HELIOS, we are bringing our businesses, employees and stakeholders together to improve operational practices, protect natural ecosystems and create enduring value for the communities and markets we serve.”

Restoring Ecosystems Through Advantis Blue C and Advantis Green C

Alongside action within its operations, Advantis is contributing to ecosystem recovery through Advantis Blue C and Advantis Green C. These programmes combine corporate resources, scientific expertise and employee participation to support the restoration of coastal and terrestrial environments.

Advantis Blue C supports the conservation and restoration of blue carbon ecosystems while contributing towards enhancing Sri Lanka’s blue carbon sequestration capacity. Its flagship intervention is the Accelerated Natural Regeneration of Mangroves project at the Anawilundawa Ramsar Wetland.

The programme also includes an 8.9-hectare mangrove restoration site at Pubudugama, where the second phase commenced in 2024. Research visits support data collection, while employee participation provides direct exposure to the ecological value of mangrove ecosystems.

Building on this experience, Advantis introduced Advantis Green C to focus on terrestrial ecosystem restoration. The programme covers 15.26 hectares at the Frocester Estate in Govinna and aims to establish a resilient and self-sustaining natural landscape.

The initiative includes the reintroduction of native plant species, improvement of soil health, increased water infiltration and retention, enhanced biodiversity and the creation of stable habitats for flora and fauna.

Advantis Green C is implemented through a memorandum of understanding between Advantis and Horana Plantations. WNPS PLANT (Wildlife & Nature Protection Society – Preserving Land & Nature) leads scientific and operational implementation, Horana Plantations provides site access and logistical support, and Advantis supports the restoration activities. Employees from several businesses within the Group have also participated in planting activities, strengthening their connection with Advantis’ environmental commitments.

Building ESG Awareness Across the Advantis Community

Building on its commitment to sustainability and stakeholder engagement, the ESG Pavilion 2026 provides a platform for education, dialogue and collaboration. The month-long campaign brings together employees, business leaders and external stakeholders through educational sessions, practical activities, governance awareness and community outreach to encourage participation and collective action.

The programme spans environmental conservation, safety, governance and social responsibility. Activities include blue carbon awareness sessions, visits to Advantis’ mangrove restoration sites, the 100 for 100 Road Safety Project, sessions on governance, risk management and ESG disclosures and diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives.

By extending engagement to schools, suppliers, industry partners and local communities, ESG Pavilion 2026 encourages knowledge sharing and collective action. Leadership participation reinforces accountability for advancing HELIOS, while the month-long format allows key priorities to be explored through sustained engagement.

Creating Value Beyond Logistics

For Advantis, ESG excellence lies in connecting operational responsibility with purposeful environmental action, empowered people and accountable governance. Through HELIOS, the Group continues to integrate sustainability into the way it operates, making responsible decisions that strengthen the business, support communities and contribute towards a more sustainable future.

As the transportation and logistics sector continues to evolve, Advantis remains committed to creating value beyond the services it delivers by building resilience, fostering collaboration and driving positive impact for its stakeholders and the environments in which it operates.