BSL celebrates decade of business-led conservation

A high-level panel moderated by Resplendent Ceylon Chairman/CEO Malik Fernando along with University of Colombo Emeritus Professor of Economics Prof. Sirimal Abeyratne, Architect Murad Ismail, IUCN Country Representative Dr. Shamen Vidanage, and Hayleys Fabric Executive Director – Finance and ESG Rohitha Bandara 

Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL) marked its 10th anniversary this year, celebrating a decade of uniting businesses, scientists, and policymakers to safeguard the island’s natural heritage. 

From its inception, Dilmah Tea played a pivotal role alongside IUCN and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in co-initiating BSL, funding its first staff member and helping shape the platform that would connect companies eager to act on biodiversity with the expertise and frameworks needed for measurable impact. 

What began in 2012 as the Business and Biodiversity Platform, driven by this founding partnership, evolved into BSL in 2015 – making Sri Lanka the first country after Japan to establish a corporate-led biodiversity initiative. 

This milestone anniversary was commemorated with Annual Technical Sessions on 24 September and the BSL Annual General Meeting on 26 September, both celebrating BSL’s pioneering role and looking ahead to an even stronger decade of action. 

BSL Senior Technical Adviser Shiranee Yasaratne said: “I look back with a sense of pride and also great appreciation because we trod untrodden waters. At that point I need to recollect the initiation carried out by the likes of Prema Cooray, the Secretary Generals of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, IUCN, and Dilmah Conservation, which funded the first staff member for the platform.”

What started as a lonely journey with five members has today grown into a network of over 100 member organisations spanning the sectors of manufacturing, tourism, IT, finance, and more. Its flagship LIFE Series has built a portfolio of multi-stakeholder projects to restore threatened ecosystems. The first initiative restored 12 hectares in Kanneliya Conservation Forest and has since expanded to 10 hectares of mangrove restoration in Anawilundawa Sanctuary, management of 130 kilometres of coastline to reduce plastic pollution, coral reef rehabilitation, and restoration of Lunugamwehera National Park areas degraded by invasive species.

At this year’s Annual Technical Sessions, keynote addresses highlighted the urgency of business engagement. Renowned biodiversity scientist Rohan Pethiyagoda underlined the importance of corporate action for nature, while IORA Ecological Solutions, India Senior Economic Adviser Prof. Madhu Verma stressed the need to value nature in economic decision-making.

A high-level panel moderated by Resplendent Ceylon Chairman/CEO Malik Fernando, explored how businesses are embedding biodiversity into strategy. Panellists included University of Colombo Emeritus Professor of Economics Prof. Sirimal Abeyratne, Architect Murad Ismail, IUCN Country Representative Dr. Shamen Vidanage and Hayleys Fabric PLC Executive Director – Finance and ESG Rohitha Bandara, with expert reflections from UNEP ROAP Senior Regional Adviser on Climate and Environment Aban Marker Kabraji. 

Recognising Dilmah’s commitment to biodiversity Kabraji said: “I was there at the creation of Biodiversity Sri Lanka, I know how much the Dilmah Family led it. All I can say is you showed us the way, and I thank you for it.” It is commendable how Dilmah has taken a corporate leadership role towards a national sustainability objective.

The afternoon shifted to focused breakout sessions where economists, scientists, researchers, and corporate leaders exchanged ideas across six themes: Financing the Plastic Revolution; Science, Policy and Partnerships; Harnessing Nature to Transform Business Strategy; AI and Nature for Enriched Experiences; Cultivating Biodiversity in Agriculture and Plantations; and Aligning Business and Nature. Member-led examples showcased on-the-ground projects, challenges, and lessons.

At the Annual General Meeting, BSL Chairperson and Dilmah Chairman/CEO Dilhan C. Fernando presided, sharing updates from the past year after which a new Board of Directors was appointed. 

“Through our LIFE Series and science-led restoration programs, BSL is pioneering private-public-people collaborations that go beyond tree planting to deliver resilient landscapes, thriving wildlife, and shared prosperity,” said Fernando.

A highlight of the AGM was the unveiling of BSL’s new logo and strategy, structured around five pillars under the acronym L.I.F.E. These focus on restoring landscapes, supporting local communities, promoting responsible resource use, and forging partnerships between business, science, and policy to drive lasting impact.

In today’s global context, sustainability is no longer optional. For Sri Lankan companies, particularly those linked to European and American markets, compliance with environmental standards is becoming mandatory. BSL’s mission goes further - nurturing businesses that embed sustainability into core strategy, while addressing climate change, pollution, and resource depletion.

With a decade of impact behind it, BSL now looks ahead to a future where business takes a leading role in building a nature-positive Sri Lanka.