Unilever’s Global CEO Alan Jope arrived in Sri Lanka on an official visit recently to review Unilever Sri Lanka’s operations and engage with employees of the organisation. Joining him was Sanjiv Mehta – Executive Vice President South Asia and CEO/MD of Hindustan Unilever Limited. The visit comes at a crucial time for the country as a sign of Unilever’s solidarity with Sri Lanka in light of recent events.
Unilever Sri Lanka continues to be an important market for Unilever globally as the South Asian cluster is a key growth driver for the Unilever business. Having celebrated its 80th year of operation in the country last year, Unilever Sri Lanka has added vitality to the lives of Sri Lankans for generations and the bond the organisation has formed with local consumers is the strongest it has ever been. The company is the market leader in all categories it operates in and attributes this success to the foundation and value system that governs the organisation which supports diversity, inclusion and respect for all communities across the business.
Unilever believes that sustainable and equitable growth is the only form of growth that will create long-term value for stakeholders, with the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan being embedded at the heart of the company’s business model. Unilever’s purpose is to make sustainable living commonplace whilst aspiring to be a Purpose Led, Future Fit company that believes in the 3 core principles that Brands with Purpose Grow, Companies with Purpose Last and People with Purpose Thrive and Unilever Sri Lanka has always strived to live up to these values.
Speaking about his visit to Sri Lanka, Alan Jope commended the resilience of the Sri Lankan people and their unique ability to bounce back from adversity. He further empathised with the people of Sri Lanka in this time of grief and pledged the organization’s support to help with efforts on rebuilding.
Unilever Sri Lanka Chairman Carl Cruz commenting on this visit said, “We are heartened that our Global CEO Alan Jope chose to visit Sri Lanka at this time and appreciate the solidarity and support given to our nation during this period of strife. As a responsible corporate that cares deeply for the people of Sri Lanka we will do our utmost to help those affected to recover and rebuild their lives.”
As part of his visit Jope also pledged a sum of Rs. 25 million towards rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts in Sri Lanka.
Over the past 81 years, Unilever Sri Lanka has been deeply rooted in Sri Lankan society. Interacting with over 21 million people across the country on a daily basis through much-loved brands, many of which are household names today. Enhancing the lives of the communities it operates in will continue to be at the forefront of this effort as Sri Lanka resiliently rebuilds once more.