Thursday Feb 19, 2026
Thursday Feb 19, 2026
Wednesday, 11 February 2026 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Sri Lanka’s retail sector is stepping into a new sustainability era with the launch of the country’s first environmental certification scheme tailored specifically for shopping malls and supermarkets. National Cleaner Production Centre Sri Lanka (NCPCSL) has expanded its internationally and nationally recognised Ecolabel Sri Lanka program to cover retail operations, setting new benchmarks for environmentally responsible commerce.
Ecolabel Sri Lanka scheme is accredited by the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board (SLAB) for Conformity Assessment and is a full member of the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN). The expansion of this labelling scheme to the retail-sector with the support of the Eco Mark Japan reinforcing its alignment with internationally recognised standards.
Japan has successfully implemented ecolabelling in its shopping malls and supermarkets for many years, with numerous establishments certified under the “Eco Mark, Japan” scheme. With guidance from Eco Mark Program, NCPC Sri Lanka has now adapted this approach for local use, offering a practical pathway for Sri Lankan retailers to go green.
The program promotes energy efficiency, waste reduction, responsible resource use, and sustainable management practices aiming to reshape how large retail establishments operate while influencing consumer expectations toward greener shopping environments.
By introducing ecolabelling to the retail sector, Sri Lanka strengthens its position as a regional leader in sustainable business, signalling that environmentally responsible operations are becoming essential to modern retail strategy.
Retail establishments that obtain ecolabel certification are expected to significantly reduce their energy consumption and minimise waste generation achievements that can directly benefit both businesses and the environment.
By extending ecolabelling into retailing, Sri Lanka positions itself at the forefront of sustainable business practices in the region signaling that green operations are fast becoming a core part of modern retail strategy.
The initiative will be officially launched at a high-level CEO Forum on 11 February 2026 at the NH Collection Colombo, bringing together senior leaders from shopping malls, supermarkets, and allied industries.
Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary J. M. Thilaka Jayasundara will attend as the Chief Guest. The forum will showcase global best practices shared by leading experts from Japan’s Eco Mark program and the Ministry of the Environment, Japan.
