Brandix Archives

March 4, 2024

Colombo, March 4, 2024 — Snowflake, the Data Cloud company, announced that Brandix, Sri Lanka’s leading apparel exporter, has chosen Snowflake’s Data Cloud to enable its data modernisation goals with advanced analytics and business intelligence (BI) needs to deliver its contract manufacturing services to customers globally.

Snowflake powers Brandix’s robust analytics engine with a single source of truth, enabling Brandix to efficiently manage vast volumes of data, reducing the time required to gain insights and respond proactively to evolving business requirements. By offering a unified platform for data management, Snowflake ensures that Brandix can anticipate and adapt to changing business needs like supply chain volatility and their sustainability goals with agility.

Brandix sought an agile technology platform for machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) driven data science applications to enhance their customer responsiveness and offerings. Snowflake’s Manufacturing Data Cloud capabilities helped Brandix simplify their data operations and management. In addition, Brandix can harness Snowflake for AI to improve supply chain performance, power smart manufacturing, and securely share data across the value chain to drive cost efficiencies. This in turn enabled rapid access to market insights and customer behaviour, thereby empowering informed decision-making.

“Snowflake’s improved analytics capabilities have allowed us to gain a holistic, real-time picture of our customers’ behaviours. In turn, we can improve the personalisation of both our products and the overall customer experience, lessen customer acquisition costs, and improve customer lifetime value” said Upul Thennakoon, Head of Strategy & Transformation at Brandix.

“Cost is also another major consideration, and Snowflake was able to reduce our overhead costs in several ways. With everything being in the Data Cloud, we eliminated the need for expensive hardware investments and the need for frequent maintenance and upgrades. In addition, Snowflake’s flexible consumption pricing model of only paying for what we use gave us additional scalability and agility while generating more savings,” added Mr. Thennakoon.

“As Brandix embraces the data revolution, collaboration becomes the bedrock for the manufacturing industry’s progress. Snowflake’s Data Cloud serves as a powerful catalyst, enabling secure and seamless data collaboration. Through Snowflake’s unified platform, we can connect service providers with a rich network of applications, data, and technology partners, driving unparalleled growth and innovation within the industry. In this way, companies can ensure that they remain competitive and continue to provide excellent customer service,” said Tom Devasia, Regional Sales Director – Enterprise Business for South India & Sri Lanka at Snowflake.

February 6, 2024

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Students from Cornell University, New York, USA and the University of Moratuwa, recently visited Brandix and its facilities, establishing a bridge between academia and industry in the pursuit of innovative solutions. This visit was to conclude the first set of collaborative undergraduate research projects involving Brandix, Cornell University and the University of Moratuwa. The partnership reflects a commitment to providing students with real-world experience and cultivating the next generation of leaders and changemakers in the fashion industry, both from Sri Lanka and around the world.

Denise Nicole Green, Associate Professor of the Department of Fiber Science & Apparel Design and the Director of the Cornell Fashion + Textile Collection at Cornell University said, “The best way to prepare students to become leaders and changemakers in the fashion industry is to provide real-world experience with model companies like Brandix who are leading the charge for a more sustainable and socially responsible future for the industry. That is exactly what we have achieved here today,”

Meanwhile, Eng. S.N. Niles, Head of the Department of Textile Engineering at the University of Moratuwa added, “Having our students with their textile engineering emphasis collaborate with students specialising in fibre science, fashion design and fashion management was indeed an eye opener. Thus the cross-cultural, interdisciplinary collaboration was a valuable experience for the students.”

Brandix, a trailblazer in championing sustainability and social responsibility in the apparel sector, provided an ideal platform for students to apply their academic knowledge to practical challenges. By immersing themselves in the day-to-day operations of a model company like Brandix, students gained invaluable insights into sustainable practices and ethical considerations crucial for the industry’s future. The collaboration challenged students to think creatively, urging them to address unmet needs and desires while championing environmental and social justice. The mantra of “improving lives” guided the design process, ensuring a focus on purpose, people, and the planet, fostering a generative and authentic collaboration.

Sahad Mukthar, Chief People Officer, Brandix stated, “Brandix was delighted to host students from both universities. Empowering the youth to reach their full potential is one of the most important investments we can make in society. Thus, through similar initiatives, Brandix looks forward to developing a more sustainable & socially responsible future”.

Cornell University and the University of Moratuwa’s collaboration with Brandix exemplifies how universities and industries can synergize their strengths to create profound educational experiences for students, shaping the future of the apparel industry with purpose-driven innovation.

November 24, 2023

Colombo, Sri Lanka – November 23, 2023: One of Sri Lanka’s premier apparel solutions provider, Brandix Apparel Private Limited, has taken the pioneering step to adopt Copilot for Microsoft 365, a powerful generative AI service that combines the power of large language models (LLMs) with organizational data from Microsoft 365. By integrating generative AI capabilities, Brandix aims to optimize operational excellence, revolutionize its workflows, alleviate the burden of email tracking, and amplify efficiency without compromising the well-being of its workforce.
Microsoft’s recent launch of Copilot for Microsoft 365, an AI-powered companion that seamlessly integrates AI capabilities into a unified experience, marks a breakthrough in human-technology interaction where privacy and security remain at the forefront. By being among the first organizations in Sri Lanka to participate in the Early Access Program, Brandix looks forward to Copilot transforming the way their workforce seamlessly works and collaborates with AI.
Speaking on the adoption, Group CEO of Brandix Apparel Private Limited, Ashroff Omar stated, “Microsoft’s Copilot has revolutionized how Brandix works—transforming data into decisions, ideas into innovation, and challenges into opportunities. Copilot is not just a tool; it’s our future made more exciting! The key to harnessing the full potential of Copilot lies in our ability to intelligently leverage this AI tool, ensuring it aligns with our goals and enhances our decision-making processes.”
Brandix shared that it has been truly remarkable to witness the enthusiasm with which the teams have embraced Copilot. The excitement and readiness displayed have been unprecedented. In an industry where fast responses are crucial to prioritize customer excellence within the operational pillars, Copilot offers the potential for increased responsiveness. At Brandix, where the ethos is to inspire their workforce, even in the early stages of implementation, Copilot has empowered employees in day-to-day operations freeing up time that can now be leveraged to focus on creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
As the use of generative AI at work spreads, the real opportunity is to not only transform personal productivity but uplift the capability of the entire organization. Copilot would set a new baseline, one that encourages employees to think like a manager, as tapping into Copilot’s full potential requires the ability to delegate, exercise good judgement, and apply subject matter expertise. Thus, with Copilot, employees will be able to manage their new assistant and know when to delegate a task to AI and when to apply their own unique human intelligence.

Harsha Randeny, Country Manager for Microsoft Sri Lanka and Maldives, commented, “We are pleased to see Brandix embark on their transformative AI journey through the strategic implementation of Copilot. The move aligns with the broader digital transformation journey the country is undertaking, making it a commendable first step by one of Sri Lanka’s leading apparel organizations. Brandix’s adoption of Copilot marks a leap towards operational excellence and innovation in the apparel industry, paving the way for new standards of excellence. With Copilot, Microsoft looks forward to reconnecting our customers with the purpose and meaning of their work in a secure, compliant, and privacy-preserving way.”
As Brandix advances on its journey with Copilot, the collaboration between humans and AI emerges as a catalyst for creativity, efficiency, and a renewed sense of purpose. This embodies the spirit of progress in the continually evolving landscape of the apparel industry.

October 5, 2023

In recognition of exceptional leadership towards sustainability in the Sri Lankan construction industry, Brandix received Platinum honours under the ‘Leadership towards Sustainability Award’ at the CIOB Green Awards 2023 held recently.

The Ceylon Institute of Builders (CIOB) is the premier professional organization of building and construction professionals in Sri Lanka. The CIOB Green Awards 2023 are presented to honour individuals, organizations, and products/systems that have demonstrated outstanding innovation in advancing sustainability. The winners were recognised for their ability to embrace sustainable methodology and making significant contributions to environmental preservation, social responsibility, and economic resilience.

Brandix’s win is a resounding affirmation of the Group’s leadership and unrelenting excellence in advancing sustainable practices into the very fabric of their business. The award also acknowledges Brandix’s outstanding accomplishments in green building initiatives and distinguished status in its sustainable corporate program.

Brandix has the largest green building square footage in Sri Lanka, totalling 519,042. This achievement sets a remarkable industry standard for environmentally conscious construction. The company boasts a total of five (05) certified Green Buildings, including two (02) LEED Platinum, two (02) LEED Gold, and one (01) GreenMark Platinum in Sri Lanka, highlighting its commitment to sustainable practices. The Company is also the first apparel manufacturer in the world to achieve Net Zero Carbon status, with six of its facilities now certified Net Zero Carbon.

Natasha Boralessa, the Group Director of ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) said, “Nurturing Our Planet is at the heart of our strategy. With a steadfast commitment to driving innovation and promoting green buildings, we are constantly breaking new ground. Achieving this prestigious honour serves as an inspiration and acknowledgement of the longstanding efforts Brandix has made in building sustainable spaces. We aim to continue to lead the way for the industry contributing to a greener and better future for all.”

The winners were assessed and selected through, a transparent, and impartial panel of expert judges against predefined criteria tailored to the Sri Lankan construction industry.

August 8, 2023

August 2023, Colombo: In a triumphant display of organisation leadership, Brandix shone brightly at the 2023 Women-Friendly Workplace Awards, securing the Most Outstanding Women-Friendly Workplace Award alongside nine other Sri Lankan organisations recently. This accolade, presented by the AICPA and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) in collaboration with SATYN Magazine, is a testament to Brandix’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Brandix, Sri Lanka’s leading exporter, is an inspiration for female empowerment, fostering an environment that champions wellness, professional growth, and inclusivity. 77% of Brandix employees in Sri Lanka consists of women, with women constituting 27% of top and critical talent. Furthermore, the company’s leadership programs boast a robust 40% female participation, with a 17% female representation at Board Leadership level.

To ensure equitable opportunities, Brandix has instituted a comprehensive framework for advancement that includes annual training and awareness programs, cultivating highly skilled teams that thrive regardless of gender.

The Women-Friendly Workplace Awards is a singular initiative that gauges the well-being and progress of women in work environments. It aims to catalyze equality and equity that subsequently drives socio-economic development. The awards evaluate women-focused initiatives, including the encouragement of non-traditional roles, social support mechanisms, and anti-harassment policies and action. In these domains, Brandix stood out as an industry leader.

Nilangani De Silva, heading the Brandix Equity, Diversity and Inclusion council said: “At Brandix, we’re committed to cultivating a respectful, safe, and inclusive culture where everyone has a voice. Our approach to diversity and inclusion is firmly embedded in our business strategy and extends to promoting work-life integration. We are deeply honored by this recognition, which serves as a springboard for us to further our commitment to empowering women across Sri Lanka.”

Brandix’s commitment to inclusivity is supported in its comprehensive policies, including an Abuse and Harassment Free Workplace policy and a Speak-Up policy. The company also prioritizes providing supportive environments for women, such as childcare assistance, flexible work arrangements, and pay parity.

The awards programme scrutinized several criteria, including women-friendly policies, representation at all levels, remuneration, training and development, and the commitment to creating women-friendly workplaces. In each of these categories, Brandix demonstrated its resolute commitment to championing women in the workplace, marking significant strides in addressing women-centric issues.

July 20, 2023

Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, the esteemed joint venture between Fountain Set (Holdings) Limited, Brandix Lanka Limited, and Hirdaramani Group, proudly inaugurated its new office premises recently. The momentous occasion was celebrated with a grand ceremony and a captivating cocktail event, symbolizing a significant milestone in the collaboration between these esteemed organizations.

The welcome note was delivered by Dr. Austin Au, the Managing Director of Ocean Lanka, who expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for this remarkable venture. He said “It is a new, happy and an exciting experience, to have our partners, suppliers, customers and others here tonight. This celebration is not only for the opening of our new office, it is also a celebration of our 25^th year in operation, which we were unable to celebrate before due to the pandemic. We have entered into a new era of Ocean Lanka’s business, from our new look and vision, we are excited to see what the future holds.”

The ceremony also featured insightful guest speeches by key partners. Mr. Li Gang, Executive Director and Vice President of Fountain Set (Holdings) Limited, conveyed his excitement about the joint venture and the immense potential it holds for all parties involved. “I am very happy to be here at the new office of Ocean Lanka. This a challenging period of time in our industry, and I hope we will overcome it in time to come.”

Mr. Ashroff Omar, Group Chief Executive Officer of Brandix Lanka Limited, expressed his delight in collaborating with Ocean Lanka, emphasizing the shared values of quality and sustainability that will shape their collective journey. He said “I think Ocean Lanka was the first professional, educated textile plant in Sri Lanka. Because of Ocean Lanka, we became known as a nation of cut-and-sew knits. Ocean Lanka has done a fantastic job for the country, the industry, its shareholders and for its employees.”

Mr. Siddarth Hirdaramani, Director of Hirdaramani Group, commended the partnership and its potential to revolutionize the textile landscape in Sri Lanka. He said “To maintain our position as a market leader in Sri Lanka, we’ve had to adapt and innovate. This is something we have done with Ocean Lanka for many years and I hope we will continue to move forward. As one of the few large-scale fabric mills on the island, I think we have a unique opportunity to influence the future of our industry, I believe we have to continue exploring avenues of improvement, by investing in technology, and our environmental impact.”

The event was graced by esteemed guests including notable personalities from Fountain Set (Holdings) Limited, Brandix Lanka Limited, Hirdaramani Group, and prominent government officials. This distinguished gathering included Mr. Li Gang, Executive Director and Vice President of Fountain Set (Holdings) Limited, Mr. Liu Qing, Director of Fountain Set (Holdings) Limited, and Ms. Cheng Wai Han Charmaine, Company Secretary of Fountain Set (Holdings) Limited. Representing Brandix Lanka Limited were Mr. Ashroff Omar, Group Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Feroz Omar, Director From Hirdaramani Group, Mr. Anil Hirdaramani, (Director), Mr. Vinod Hirdaramani, (Director), and Mr. Siddarth Hirdaramani, (Director), graced the occasion. The presence of Mr. M.K.D Lawrance, Executive Director of the Board of Investment, and Mr. Kithsiri Kumarasinghe, Director of the Board of Investment Biyagama, further added prestige to the event. Dr. Austin Au, Managing Director of Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, spearheaded the company’s representation.

Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, represents a unique collaboration that combines the strength and expertise of world-renowned entities. Fountain Set (Holdings) Limited, co-owned by Chinatex Corporation, stands as one of the world’s largest circular knitted fabric manufacturers. Brandix Lanka Limited and Hirdaramani Group, prominent apparel giants, bring their vast industry experience and commitment to this transformative partnership.

May 16, 2023

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May 2023: Sri Lanka’s premier apparel solutions provider, Brandix Apparel Limited (BAL), signed a partnership agreement with Global Water Partnership (GWP) recently to strengthen joint efforts to advance youth engagement with water and sustainability.

The Memorandum of Understanding signed between the organisations spells out priorities for strategic collaboration, including strengthening youth engagement in water resources management by creating opportunities and knowledge exchange. The agreement also deals with deploying resources to address youth-related collaborative programmes with respect to the 2030 Global Agenda concerning Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.

Water and sanitation remain major issues in South Asia and the burden of managing and addressing these challenges is increasingly falling on the younger generation. Despite governments pledging to achieve SDGs by 2030, the state alone cannot meet these requirements and a multi-sectoral approach through public-private partnerships are increasingly accepted as the best way forward.

Group CEO of Brandix Apparel Limited, Ashroff Omar said: “Since 2007, Brandix has dedicated its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives to providing access to safe drinking water and clean sanitation facilities for those in need, aiming to create significant, positive change for communities. Through this commitment, Brandix has successfully completed nearly 4,600 community water projects, empowering and enhancing the lives of over 300,000 people across the island. We are excited to extend our partnership with GWP, and foster youth involvement in this vital cause, encouraging them to not only benefit from these efforts but also actively drive them forward.”

Kusum Athukorala, Global Water Partnership South Asia (GWP SAS) Regional Chair, expressed appreciation to the support extended towards the network by Brandix on its new youth initiative, Youth and Young Water Professionals’ Platform. “GWP SAS is privileged to have a partner who is well-known for their commitment towards reducing carbon footprint through sustainable solutions. Like GWP, Brandix also understood the urgency of addressing the gaps to ensure clean water and sanitation for all communities in South Asia, and most importantly the role of youth in realizing this goal”.

CEO of GWPO, Elena Trovesi, stated Brandix has set a great example for the corporate sector globally through this partnership, which demonstrates the company is prepared to return what they have taken from the environment through meaningful initiatives. She said: “I hope the MoU we signed would lead to greater collaboration between the parties in the future both at national and regional level on youth-led initiatives to create a meaningful impact on the ground”.

The MoU was signed on the eve of World Water Day 2023 by Ashroff Omar, Group CEO, BAL, Elena Trovesi, (Interim) Executive Secretary and CEO, GWPO and Lal Induruwage, Regional Coordinator, GWP SAS.

April 10, 2023

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07^th April 2023, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s leading apparel manufacturer, Brandix Apparel Limited, refurbished and handed over the blood bank at the District General Hospital in Negombo. The programme was part of the Group’s ongoing efforts to boost healthcare services around the island, and was managed by Brandix Essentials, Katunayake.

Director of the National Blood Transfusion Service, Dr. Lakshman Edirisinghe, welcomed this initiative by the company and described it as a timely and much-needed intervention for people in the Gampaha district. Brandix is also the single largest corporate donor of blood to the National Blood Transfusion Service of Sri Lanka at present.

“This is a valuable service to the nation from Brandix. The District General Hospital in Negombo is a crucial facility as it serves people from the Gampaha district, which is a centre for economic activity in the country. We had identified this location within the hospital to establish a new blood bank but struggled due to limited resources within the state sector. Brandix came forward and helped set up this facility which is vital to save lives, and this contribution will strengthen healthcare services in this region immensely,” Dr. Edirisinghe said.

Previously, blood transfusion, storage and donation activities within the District Hospital were scattered across the facility presenting numerous difficulties. Brandix’s intervention ensures all functions of the Blood Bank are now under one roof with all necessary modern facilities, affording greater convenience and ease to donors, patients and staff at the hospital.

Lalith Bandara, CEO of Brandix Essentials, stated: “The development of the Blood Bank at the Negombo District Hospital comes as part of our commitment to empower communities and enhance healthcare services for all Sri Lankans. Brandix is vested in the Gampaha district, and we will continue to serve the people of the area and transform lives by building a thriving and healthy community.”

Understanding the importance of a sustained and consistent supply of blood to the National Blood Transfusion Service, Brandix has conducted blood donation drives for over 15 years. Today, this solely employee-driven initiative spans the Brandix network across Sri Lanka, in 23 locations engaging more than 35,000 employees who donate blood with the vision of supporting the life of another.

March 20, 2023

10,194 schools across the island to be empowered with connectivity to learning platform

Inspired by the challenge to provide Sri Lankan children with better access to learning materials and the transformative power to read and comprehend English, Brandix launched the ‘RightToRead’ project in 2018 in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

Accordingly, Brandix introduced the ‘ReadToMe’ English learning tool, created by English Helper – India, to improve reading and comprehension skills of Sri Lankan students. Last Monday, H.E. Julie Chung, the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, visited Susamayawardhana Vidyalaya in Borella, to observe progress of the project and experience how children and educators in Sri Lanka engage with educational technology.

Brandix Lanka Limited, Director, Ajit Johnpillai, said: “Education is the most powerful tool to enrich communities and futures, and Brandix is committed to build a strong foundation for transformational learning for students across Sri Lanka. The progress we have made with RiteToRead over the past two years is promising, and the potential for change in the education sector harnessing such digital technologies is immeasurable. Brandix will continue its commitment to deliver Inspired Solutions for the people of Sri Lanka.”

Susamayawardhana Vidyalaya was one of the first schools connected with RightToRead, and the visitors toured the smart classroom constructed by Brandix, to support the school’s journey in reaping the benefits of English proficiency.

As technology infrastructure and resources are limited, Brandix will also provide interactive smartboards to 10,194 schools across the country to give students access to the ReadToMe programme. The programme aims to touch the lives of over 4 million students in Sri Lanka. Brandix has already installed smartboards at 1,260 schools across the island, connecting over 790,000 students.

January 30, 2023

January 2023, Colombo: Brandix Apparel Ltd., gave hope to 16,824 children of the Brandix family by gifting them school essentials including stationery and schoolbags necessary for the new school year, under its ‘Manusathkara Thilina’ 2022 initiative recently.

Understanding the current need to support our team members, especially during the current crisis of rising stationery costs, the children of 10,933 Brandix Associates were recipients of Brandix’s unstinting efforts to inspire and support education for all. The 2022 programme is being held for the 7th consecutive year where children from pre-school to Grade 13 received stationery packs.

Malika Samaraweera, Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Brandix Apparel noted, “The beginning of the new school year is eagerly anticipated and exciting for all students. However, we realise that our employees, who are the backbone of our enterprise, are facing a daunting challenge to provide their children these essential items. We firmly believe in taking care of our communities and this year’s Manusathkara Thilina programme ensures these children have the tools and opportunity to learn and grow.”

Begun in 2016, the Manusathkara School Essentials initiative seeks to drive home the importance of education among the children of Brandix employees. To-date, over 37,000 children have benefitted from the programme. The educational hampers gifted to the children comprise of stationery and other school necessities, enabling their success for the foreseeable future.

With the aim of driving social sustainability, the inspired team at Brandix continues their work towards Equal Opportunity and the Right to Education for All. Recognising that today’s challenges are wide-ranging and incredibly tough for many families, the school essential packs will enrich the lives of the beneficiary children and sustain their school education.

Supporting Sri Lanka’s aspiring youth towards continuity in their education, Brandix has also initiated an annual scholarship scheme under its ‘Manusathkara University Scholarship’ programme. Children who are high performers in the Advanced Level Examinations within the Brandix Model Villages are awarded scholarships to pursue their higher education and contribute towards Sri Lanka’s future workforce. The ‘Model Village’ concept was developed by Brandix to support the wellbeing of communities within a 10km radius of the company’s facilities.

Older Posts

Brandix chooses Snowflake to Power Data-Driven Insights and Enhance Customer Experience

Cornell University and University of Moratuwa Students Pilot an Innovative Industry Collaboration with Brandix

Microsoft Sri Lanka brings AI-powered Productivity to Brandix with Copilot for Microsoft 365

Brandix’s commitment to ‘Nurturing Our Planet’ wins Platinum at CIOB Green Awards 2023

Brandix: a shining star for women’s empowerment

Ocean Lanka Inaugurates a New Office Premises

Brandix extends collaboration with Global Water Partnership to empower youth engagement

New lease of life for Negombo Hospital Blood bank from Brandix

Brandix ‘RightToRead’ initiative gains momentum enriching Sri Lanka students and transforming learning

Brandix Manusathkara Thilina 2022 offers hope to over 16,000 students with the gift of school essentials