Ocean Lanka Archives

February 14, 2024

Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka’s leading weft-knitted fabric manufacturer, celebrated a momentous occasion at the recent Victoria’s Secret & Co Partner Summit 2024 in Hong Kong, becoming the first fabric mill in Sri Lanka to be recognized with the prestigious Raw Material Supplier Cost Efficiency Award. This distinguished honor underscores Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd’s unwavering commitment to cost-effectiveness and operational excellence, solidifying its position as a trusted partner for global brands.

Dr. Austin Au, Managing Director of Ocean Lanka Pvt Ltd, expressed his thoughts about the recognition, stating, “We are incredibly proud to receive this award, which marks a significant milestone for Ocean Lanka. It is a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of our talented team, who consistently strive to optimize costs while maintaining the superior quality that defines our brand. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to continuous improvement and delivering exceptional value to our partners.”

The Raw Material Supplier Cost Efficiency Award acknowledges Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd’s exceptional approach to sourcing, procurement, and production processes, ensuring optimal utilization of resources without compromising on quality. This dedication to cost-efficiency translates into tangible benefits for its partners, enabling them to offer competitive and high-quality products to their customers.

Victoria’s Secret specifically recognized Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd’s contributions in two key areas; supporting their business to enhance product value and flexibility, and consistently delivering high volumes of fabric in the region. Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd has impressed them with their collaborative spirit, readily working alongside Victoria’s Secret to develop innovative fabric solutions that cater to their evolving needs and elevate the overall value proposition of their products. Additionally, Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd has earned its trust through its reliable supply chain, consistently delivering the required fabric volumes efficiently to meet Victoria’s Secret’s production demands. These combined strengths solidified Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd’s position as a valuable partner and ultimately led to their well-deserved recognition at the Victoria’s Secret & Co Partner Summit.

Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd expresses gratitude to the Victoria’s Secret & Co Partner Summit 2024 for this esteemed recognition and remains dedicated to contributing to the growth and success of the country’s export sector.

December 14, 2023

Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka’s largest weft-knitted fabric manufacturer, has been honored with the Gold Award in the “Extra Large” category in the Suppliers to Exporters Sector at the 31st Annual Export Awards-2023 organized by the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE). The award recognizes the company’s exceptional dedication and contributions, highlighting its commitment to excellence, teamwork, and innovation in weft-knitted fabric manufacturing.

The NCE Export Awards, a premier event in the Sri Lankan Business Calendar, celebrated its 31st edition, acknowledging outstanding performances in the export sector. The awards, a gateway to enhanced global visibility, align with the economic views of the Sri Lankan Government, emphasizing the key pillars of business success – People, Profit, and Planet. The accolades serve as more than mere honors, offering opportunities for exporters to gain prominence and access various international markets.

Dr. Austin Au, Managing Director of Ocean Lanka Pvt Ltd., expressed his thoughts about the recognition, stating, “We are thrilled and deeply honored to receive the Gold Award at the NCE Export Awards-2023. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire Ocean Lanka team. It inspires us to continue pushing boundaries in weft-knitted fabric manufacturing, maintaining our commitment to excellence and sustainability.”

The NCE Export Awards not only symbolize Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd’s commitment to excellence but also bring a myriad of advantages to the organization. In addition to the recognition received at the 31st Annual Export Awards, Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd is also proud to announce its success at the Presidential Export Awards. The company’s stellar performance and achievements have been acknowledged at the highest level, adding another layer of prestige to its already illustrious track record.

The accolades serve as a testament to Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd’s continuous pursuit of excellence in the textile industry. The company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable practices has positioned it as a leader in the global market.

Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd expresses gratitude to the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka for this esteemed recognition and remains dedicated to contributing to the growth and success of the country’s export sector.

December 6, 2023

In Sri Lanka’s textile sector, a deep-rooted tradition in natural dyeing spans centuries and is intertwined with the nation’s rich textile heritage. The country’s abundant biodiversity has yielded a diverse range of botanical resources, providing a wealth of natural pigments essential to the garment industry. From vivid shades sourced from turmeric, indigo, and madder root to the earthy tones derived from catechu and the vibrant yellows of turmeric, Sri Lanka’s legacy in natural dyes remains a pivotal component of its textile exports. This innovation aligns with global sustainability trends, positioning Sri Lanka as a hub for eco-friendly textile production. Key industry players in the Sri Lankan Apparel Industry, such as Hayleys Fabric PLC, Noyon Private Limited, Dynawash, and Ocean Lanka lead this movement, leveraging natural dyes to cater to international markets increasingly prioritizing environmentally responsible products.

Hayleys Fabric PLC’s Warna by Mahogany Innovation
Hayleys Fabric is at the forefront of eco-conscious fashion, revolutionizing a new era in sustainable textiles. Its commitment to sustainability is vividly portrayed through organic, eco-friendly fabrics woven from natural dyes. Collaborating with nature, the Company has harnessed the power of Neem, Thulsi and a selection of natural dyes derived from pomegranate, mulberry, Mexican marigold, Mahogany wood and black clutch, expanding the horizons of environmentally friendly textiles. This dedication to minimizing environmental impact extends to water treatment practices, earning Hayleys Fabric prestigious accolades for their holistic approach to responsible production.

Recognized among the Top 10 global innovations at ISPO Textrends Spring/Summer 2024, Hayleys Fabric’s ‘Warna by Mahogany’ is the natural dye innovation that has become an industry game changer. Representing one of Sri Lanka’s initial advancements in eco-friendly fabrics on the esteemed ISPO Textrends platform, this acknowledgement solidifies the nation’s leadership in sustainable circular fabric sourcing particularly in sports apparel. This ground-breaking innovation uses waste from the local furniture industry to extract dyes, pioneering a transformative waste-to-fashion initiative.

The company recently earned recognition for its ‘Midnight by Charcoal’ range, a novel collection of textiles featuring organic prints from biomass charcoal waste. In collaboration with its subsidiary, South Asia Textile Private Limited, the ‘Midnight’ range received international acclaim, securing a spot among the ‘Top 10 Innovations in the Street Sports’ category at ISPO Munich. This marks the second time in the past year that a Sri Lankan innovation in eco-friendly fabric dyes from the Hayleys Fabric Group has been acknowledged by ISPO.

The exclusive mahogany dye, offering 16 hybrid colors across diverse fabric compositions, meets stringent international standards and is free from harmful chemicals, ensuring both the wearer’s safety and that of the environmental. With an impact lifecycle assessment revealing a 36% positive environmental impact compared to synthetic dyes, it is evident that Warna champions sustainability. Its residual waste repurposed for fertilizer production embodies circularity, while embracing multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals underscores its commitment to responsible production, innovation, clean water, and climate action.

Driving environmentally-friendly product development further is Hayleys Fabric’s INNO brand which strives to introduce eco-conscious, stylish and functional fabrics to global markets. With a robust textile manufacturing history and a significant presence in the apparel sector, Hayleys Fabric PLC remains a beacon of sustainability, showcasing excellence across design and production.

Noyon Private Limited’s Planetones

As a subsidiary of MAS Holdings, Noyon Lanka has revolutionized sustainable dyeing with their innovative ‘Planetones’. This 100% natural dye range, accredited with the prestigious ‘Eco Dye Standard’ by the Control Union, marks a significant stride in environmentally conscious dyeing methods. Offering a palette of over 50 vibrant colours for polyamides, their innovation isn’t limited to just vibrant hues but extends to substantial environmental impact. Their commitment to water solubility and adherence to stringent eco-standards like ZDHC and Oeko-Tex underpin their dedication. Moreover, Noyon’s pioneering approach has resulted in substantial reductions in water consumption, energy usage, CO2 emissions, and chemical footprints, positioning ‘Planetones’ as the benchmark for eco-friendly dyeing practices in the industry. This initiative, resonating beyond mere colour vibrancy, profoundly minimizes water usage, energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and chemical loads, setting an exemplary benchmark for sustainable dyeing practices within the industry.

Dynawash’s T Hues

T Hues, recently granted a patent in India, represents an innovative leap in Sri Lanka’s textile industry, ushering in a new era of sustainable garment dyeing. Born from a collaborative effort between SLINTEC, Unilever, and Dynawash, this innovation utilizes tea waste to create a versatile 52-color palette. It features a unique blend comprising 80% natural and 20% synthetic dyes, offering remarkable versatility across various fabric compositions, including cotton, nylon, and blends. What sets T Hues apart is not only its color diversity but also its inherent sustainability attributes, boasting a negative carbon footprint and antimicrobial properties. The initiative also ensures traceability through QR-coded hang tags, assuring consumers of its eco-friendly origins and production processes.

With over US$1 million in orders from several leading international global brands, T Hues has demonstrated the commercial viability of sustainable innovation and has gained confidence from major players on Sri Lanka’s ability to deliver in this sphere.

Certified with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) in line with ZDHC MRSL standards, T Hues embodies Sri Lanka’s steadfast commitment to sustainable fashion practices. Its use of tea waste as a primary ingredient not only underscores resource efficiency but also highlights the innovative reuse of materials, contributing to a circular economy. The blend of natural and synthetic dyes offers an eco-conscious alternative without compromising on quality or performance, meeting stringent quality standards set by global brands and standards. This showcases a commitment to environmental responsibility and technological advancements, setting benchmarks for sustainable dyeing practices within the industry.

The versatile application of T Hues aligns seamlessly with the evolving demands of environmentally conscious consumers. Its amalgamation of eco-friendliness, quality assurance through certifications like GOTS which is recognized as ZDHC MRSL compliance certification epitomizes Sri Lanka’s proactive approach to revolutionizing sustainable fashion practices. Through its traceability features and commitment to minimizing environmental impact, Dynawash’s T Hues is a testament to innovation, sustainability and excellence in the textile industry.

Top of Form

Ocean Lanka’s Aqua + Dyeing System

Sri Lanka’s well-known weft knitted fabric manufacturer Ocean Lanka spearheads a sustainable revolution in the textile industry with its groundbreaking ‘Ocean Aqua+’ dyeing system. This innovative technology, indigenous to Ocean Lanka and conceptualized by their proficient Dyeing and Color Lab teams, stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to environmental preservation. Redefining the fabric dyeing process, ‘Ocean Aqua+’ has already made substantial strides in augmenting capacity utilization and productivity while championing environmental conservation. This visionary system is engineered specifically for dyeing deep and vibrant-colored fabrics, ensuring a seamless synergy between eco-consciousness and cost-efficiency.

These reputable Apparel companies, each pioneering their unique approach, collectively paint a vivid picture of Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable fashion. With collaborations and partnerships transcending borders from international brands – these initiatives emphasize the global reach and impact of Sri Lanka’s textile industry. Moreover, their integration into platforms like Fashion for Good and Material Connexion amplifies their dedication to global sustainability alliances, positioning Sri Lanka as a beacon of eco-friendly textile practices.

It is evident that with the joint efforts of Hayleys Fabric PLC, Noyon Private Limited, and Dynawash, and Ocean Lanka symbolize the amalgamation of innovation, sustainability, and global partnerships, propelling Sri Lanka’s textile industry towards a future where fashion doesn’t just adorn but also nurtures the planet.

November 28, 2023

From a commitment to sustainable waste management, the transition to renewable energy and environmental protection, the phrase “sustainable manufacturing” is not unfamiliar to Ocean Lanka.

Founded in 1996, the Company, which has been in operation for over twenty years, is not only Sri Lanka’s largest weft-knitted fabric manufacturer but is also the first within the textile and apparel industry of Sri Lanka to enter into a system partnership with Bluesign®. Working with international brands, the Company has maintained a steadfast commitment to environmental responsibility. The rhythmic hum of looms within the facility not only symbolizes craftsmanship, but also signifies Ocean Lanka’s dedication to providing a sustainable model for many industries worldwide. Partnering with certification bodies like the Global Organic Textile Standard, Better Cotton Initiative and Global Recycled Standard, the Company has initiatives set out for water and energy management as well as biomass consumption by over 3 percent in its operations over the next five years.

Ocean Lanka’s Holistic Approach to Waste Management

In an industry that generates over 92 million tonnes of waste annually, Ocean Lanka’s journey toward circularity begins at the point of waste generation. The facility employs a comprehensive waste categorization system for eleven main areas in accordance with strict guidelines. Generating 275,00 kilogrammes of fabric waste annually, when the volume surpasses the storage capacity, the administrative team initiates an auction for registered waste fabric buyers listed with Ocean Lanka. The entire lot is then sold to the highest bidder as is excess cardboard, paper and polythene. “Before exceeding the capacity, the team needs to consider the time required for calling tenders and selling to prevent the overflow of fabric,” says Compliance Manager Anuruddha Weerasekera. “Additionally, the team must ensure that suppliers have the necessary licenses for fabric disposal. They are also responsible for maintaining a record of waste fabric disposal within the facility, summarizing the information monthly in terms of weight in kilograms.”

Ocean Lanka’s Innovative Water Conservation Efforts

Ocean Lanka, in collaboration with the Open University of Sri Lanka, is actively working on developing eco-friendly technologies and innovative processes to reduce or recycle wastewater from dyeing operations. The facility currently consumes 7,000 cubic meters of water daily for the fabric dyeing process, posing a significant financial burden. At times, the existing effluent treatment facility struggles to adequately handle the wastewater from the dyeing department.

Notes Weerasekera: “We are exploring practical approaches that can be employed for textile wastewater treatment and reuse, aiming to conserve water resources and minimize pollution discharged into the environment. One option we are considering is the reuse of textile pretreatment liquor or wash liquor in the scouring and bleaching of cotton fabric.”

Pioneering Sustainability Initiatives in Energy Conservation and Renewable Resources

Aligning with its goals to reduce water, electricity and biomass consumption, Ocean Lanka has also embarked on several energy conservation projects initiated in 2019, demonstrating significant progress. This includes transitioning from CFL to LED lamps and enhancing boiler systems for more efficient biomass energy production. The Company has also invested half a billion Rupees in installing solar power at its Malwana Facility in the Biyagama Exporter Processing Zone, covering 250,000 square feet and generating 3,800 units per 1 MW daily. This ambitious initiative aims not only to harness solar energy for efficient power generation but also to establish a sustainable financial model over twenty years.

Efforts are also being made towards sustainable fuelwood cultivation to meet thermal energy requirements. Over one thousand hectares in Opatha Estate, Ratnapura will be dedicated to cultivating a special species of bamboo and Gliricidia Sepium to supply 100 MT of firewood annually. This will meet Ocean Lanka’s fuelwood demand. “We don’t want to depend on external sources for firewood to fuel our biomass boilers,” explains Weerasekera. “Cultivating our own firewood not only enhances traceability in our raw material sources but also benefits the community and the environment. We collaborate with smallholders in the estate to produce bamboo and purchase it from them. So, it’s a win-win for all.”

Beyond Factory Walls: Ocean Lanka’s GHG Policy

Ocean Lanka not only invests in operational sustainability but also actively works towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to create a prosperous and resilient low-carbon future. The Company, guided by its GHG Policy, seeks to implement short, medium, and long-term projects aligned with relevant Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) pillars. These projects involve transforming energy generation, adopting cleaner manufacturing processes, exploring wind turbine options and administering the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy for major processes.

Several initiatives have been launched to achieve targets, among which is the implementation of carbon-neutral agriculture within its facility. One is a reforestation programme aimed at restoring fauna and flora in select green cover. Over 16 hectares has been dedicated to developing a model forest to promote effective forest management and stewardship practices, resulting in the planting of over 25,000 saplings over the past few years. Now, over 60% of these saplings have grown into young and healthy trees with a height of over 8 feet. Additionally, the Company collaborates with the NGO “Rainforest Trust” to preserve virgin forests in several locations across the island, extending its commitment to environmental protection beyond its walls.

“Ocean Lanka is not just weaving fabric; we are weaving a sustainable future,” concludes Weerasekera. “Our commitment goes beyond our factory walls, embracing holistic initiatives from waste management to energy conservation, renewable resources and carbon neutrality. Through collaboration, innovation and a steadfast dedication to environmental responsibility, we aspire to set a model for industries worldwide, demonstrating that sustainability is not just a goal but a journey towards a better, greener future.”

November 28, 2023

Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka’s largest weft knitted fabric manufacturer, recently celebrated notable achievements at the 25th edition of the Presidential Export Awards, held at the BMICH in Colombo 07. In a notable feat, Ocean Lanka secured accolades for two consecutive years, receiving recognition for its outstanding contributions to the export industry, marking its inaugural participation in the prestigious competition. These awards, acknowledged as the highest national recognition for export excellence, underscores Ocean Lanka’s commitment to setting industry standards and making a significant impact on the global market.

Initiated by the Sri Lankan Export Development Board (EDB) in 1981, the Presidential Export Awards (PEA) have organized 24 ceremonies in the past years. This year’s 25th edition witnessed the participation of approximately 1,500 invitees, including His Excellency Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, alongside relevant Cabinet Ministers, Diplomatic corps, Government officials, Award winners, and exporters.

At the “Presidential Export Awards 2021/22,” Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd was honored with the Best Exporter Award in the Knitted Fabric Category. This recognition highlights Ocean Lanka’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the textile sector. Building on this success, Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd continued to shine in the “Presidential Export Awards 2022/23,” securing the Merit Award in the Knitted Fabric Category. This consecutive win underscores Ocean Lanka’s sustained dedication to maintaining high standards and making significant strides in the export market.

Dr. Austin Au, Managing Director of Ocean Lanka Pvt Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm about the recognition, stating, “We are truly honored to receive these prestigious awards for two consecutive years. This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit of the entire Ocean Lanka team. We remain committed to upholding the highest standards in the industry and contributing to the growth of Sri Lanka’s export sector.”

As Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd showcases its unwavering commitment to quality and excellence in the textile industry, the company looks forward to continuing its journey of innovation and contributing significantly to the economic development of Sri Lanka through its export endeavors.

October 6, 2023

Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka’s largest weft knitted fabric manufacturer, celebrated another remarkable edition of its esteemed “Sewa Abhiman” Loyalty Awards, an event that pays tribute to the unwavering commitment and dedication of its valued employees. This annual recognition event is a testament to the trust and loyalty that Ocean Lanka has earned from its workforce, reflecting the organization’s profound appreciation for their dedication.

At “Sewa Abhiman,” Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd takes pride in acknowledging and honoring its employees who have demonstrated exceptional loyalty and service over the years. This year, a total of 187 dedicated employees were honored, with 127 employees passing the remarkable 10-year milestone and 60 employees celebrating an impressive 20 years of unwavering service. This remarkable achievement highlights the enduring commitment of Ocean Lanka’s team.

Dr. Austin Au, Managing Director of Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., expressed his sentiments regarding the event, stating, “We are humbled by the immense trust and loyalty placed in Ocean Lanka by our dedicated staff. ‘Sewa Abhiman’ is not just an awards ceremony, it is a celebration of the spirit that drives us forward, a spirit deeply rooted in our workforce’s dedication and commitment. As we witness the growing number of employees receiving recognition for their long service, it is a clear indication of our organization’s steadfast commitment to fostering a culture of loyalty and dedication.”

Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. remains firmly committed to the professional development and continued loyalty of its employees. The company actively allocates incentives and implements engagement activities aimed at motivating and inspiring its staff to deliver their best performance consistently.

Through initiatives like the “Sewa Abhiman” Loyalty Program, Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd underscores its unwavering commitment to not only being a leader in the industry but also to be an organization that values and invests in its most valuable asset – its employees. The event serves as a platform to celebrate the long-lasting relationships forged between Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and its dedicated workforce, showcasing the company’s enduring commitment to excellence and loyalty in the workplace.

As Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd continues to advance in the textile industry, its focus remains on fostering a work environment that nurtures talent, dedication, and unwavering loyalty among its employees.

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.

November 17, 2022

Ocean Lanka Pvt Ltd. Sri Lanka’s largest weft knitted fabric manufacturer successfully retained the championship title at the recently held, 9th edition of the Mercantile Volleyball Championship 2022. Ocean Lanka defeated the Maliban Group of Companies by 3 sets to 2 in a thrilling 5-set final in the Men’s Pro Category. The championship was held at the Maharagama National Youth Services Council Indoor Stadium.

The highly competitive championship encounter saw Ocean Lanka win the 1st set (25-22), the 3rd set (25-20) and the 5th Set (15-11), with the Maliban Group winning the second (25-23) and fourth set (25-22). Several members of the Ocean Lanka team received awards for their performances as well. Ashen Peiris was awarded Best Receiver, Sandun Srimal was awarded Best Setter, Sriparath Aruchunen was awarded Best Blocker, and Mohammed Meesan was awarded Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament.

Ruwansiri Mallikaarachchi, Ocean Lanka’s Team Manager commented on the championship win, “This championship is a culmination of all our hard work and passion for the sport of volleyball. We are extremely grateful for our coaches, support staff and most of all, the support we received from the Ocean Lanka Management and staff.”

The Ocean Lanka Team Captain, Buddhika Bandara also extended his gratitude for the support provided by the Ocean Lanka Management and staff over the years, as the high-class facilities provided helped the team compete at the highest level and reach great success. The team previously competed in 2019 and emerged victorious in the super league category of the Mercantile Volleyball Championship.

Ocean Lanka’s Championship winning team included Buddhika Bandara (Captain), Ashen Sumiuru, Sandun Srimal, Gayan Mallikarathne, Chathuranga Rajapaksha, Mohammed Meesan, Rehan Madushanka, Sriparath Aruchunen, Ruwansiri Mallikaarachchi (Team Manager), Lalith Premalal (Coach), Shanuka Madubashwana, Pasindu Sanduruwan, and Hasitha Dilan.

October 3, 2022

Ocean Lanka Pvt Ltd. Sri Lanka’s largest weft knitted fabric manufacturer, recently acknowledged the unwavering loyalty of its long serving employees with the ‘OCL Sewa Abhiman 2022’ Loyalty Awards.

Dr. Austin Au, Managing Director of Ocean Lanka shared his thoughts: “Ocean Lanka is very fortunate to have employees with many years of dedication and commitment. Their loyalty has earned the company the respect it is enjoying today. To date, 788 active employees have completed more than 10 years of service at Ocean Lanka, which is nearly 41% of the total cadre. A further 190 have completed more than 20 years of service which amounts to 10% of the total cadre. The company sincerely appreciates their commitment and endurance especially amidst the current economic uncertainty.”

The ‘OCL Sewa Abhiman 2022’ Loyalty Awards is Ocean Lanka’s most significant employment recognition event. Ocean Lanka is humbled by the trust & loyalty placed in the organisation by the staff. It is encouraging to see the number of employees who are recognised for their long service continue to increase every year.

Ocean Lanka Pvt Ltd. is and will remain committed to the professional development and loyalty of its staff through the allocation of incentives and implementation of engagement activities to keep the staff motivated and dedicated to delivering to the absolute best of their ability.

April 26, 2021

New indigenous dyeing system provides more operational stability, while reducing carbon and water footprint

Ocean Lanka, Sri Lanka’s largest weft knitted fabric manufacturer, successfully implements ‘Ocean Aqua+’, a new indigenous dyeing system that revolutionises the fabric dyeing process, while helping to preserve the environment with a low level of demand on resources. The latest innovation, which is the brainchild of Ocean Lanka’s Dyeing and Colour Lab teams, has already had a significant impact on increasing the capacity utilisation and overall productivity.

Commenting on the game-changing technology, Managing Director of Ocean Lanka, Dr. Austin Au said, “There were times during the dry season, where we had to deploy water bowsers to carry out production in our dyeing plant. After evaluating our water consumption, we understood that the actual performance of multistage washing operations depends on the chemical system and optimising the washing process could conserve significant amounts of water and energy. This gave us a new impetus to kick-start the ‘Ocean Aqua+’ project in 2019. I’m overjoyed that the tireless efforts of our staff have finally borne fruit in the form of an eco-friendly and cost-saving dyeing process, especially for deep and vibrant coloured fabrics (e.g. black & scarlet red).”

The ‘Ocean Aqua+’ dyeing system shortens the fabric-dyeing phase, accelerating the process time by more than 30 percent. At the same time, it reduces energy consumption by 20 percent and the water requirement by 50 to 60 percent. By conserving water at the earliest stage, the traditional process of manufacturing textiles remains the same, as opposed to significant investment and cost for water free dyeing technology.

Senior Manager Dyeing & Finishing, Sadun Nalaka added, “As a responsible corporate citizen, we believe that reducing water consumption in textile processing is important for furthering pollution prevention efforts, due in part because excess water use dilutes pollutants and adds to the effluent load. On the other hand, reducing wastewater also mitigates the need for expensive waste treatment systems.”

Older Posts

Ocean Lanka Wins Raw Material Supplier Cost Efficiency Award Setting New Benchmark in Sri Lanka

Ocean Lanka Triumphs at NCE Export Awards with the Prestigious Gold Award

Legacy in Colour: Sri Lanka’s Timeless Natural Dye Tradition

Ocean Lanka: Weaving a Sustainable Future Beyond Fabric

Ocean Lanka Triumphs with Top Honors at 25th Presidential Export Awards

Ocean Lanka Honors Employee Loyalty at Prestigious ‘Sewa Abhiman’ Loyalty Awards

Ocean Lanka Inaugurates a New Office Premises

Ocean Lanka retains Mercantile Volleyball Championship

Ocean Lanka recognises 145 long serving staff members at ‘OCL Sewa Abhiman Loyalty Awards 2022

Ocean Lanka Revolutionises Sustainable Delivery with ‘Ocean Aqua+’ Dyeing System