The Mother and Child-Friendly Seal for Responsible Business (‘Seal Initiative’) is an activity-based initiative developed collaboratively by The Centre for Child Rights and Business Sri Lanka and key stakeholders in the Sri Lankan tea and tourism industries.

The Seal Initiative first launched in the tea sector from 2022 to 2024, starting with regional plantation companies, exporters and Sri Lankan brands. It has since grown to include private and mid-sized estates, smallholder societies, tea factories, brokers, and global brands and retailers. In 2024, we expanded the initiative to the tourism sector after a risk assessment showed the need to address child rights risks and gaps. The Seal Initiative in tourism primarily targets accommodation establishments such as hotels, guesthouses, and homestays, as well as travel agencies and international tour operators.

The goal of the Seal Initiatives is to establish a uniform, transparent and rights-based framework to assess and promote mother and child-friendly practices across the tea and tourism supply chains through continuous improvements.

The Seal Initiative is guided by the following features and principles.

The Mother and Child-Friendly Seal for Responsible Business isn’t a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, it looks at where each business is starting from and focuses on the progress they’re making to improve the well-being of women, children and families in their communities. It’s a flexible, evolving approach: businesses stay certified by continuously improving their practices, not just by ticking boxes.

Five Components:

The Process:

• Enhances brand reputation and attracts socially conscious consumers and partners

• Demonstrates commitment to responsible, family-friendly practices across supply chains

• Provides a practical framework to identify and reduce risks such as child exploitation and unsafe working conditions

• Supports human rights due diligence while delivering real, lasting improvements for communities

• Encourages collaboration with stakeholders to drive collective impact and improve essential services like education, healthcare, and social protection

• Recognises ongoing efforts and promotes continuous improvement rather than fixed compliance

• Aligns with sustainable development goals and contributes to the well-being of women, children, and families

• Join a growing community shaping a more inclusive, ethical, and family-friendly tourism and tea industry

Get in touch to explore how your business can join the Seal Initiative. Once you're on board, your journey will follow these four steps:

• Step 1: Meet Legal Requirements
  Demonstrate that your business is in compliance with Sri Lankan labour laws.
  
  

• Step  2: Complete a Self-Assessment
  Evaluate your current practices across the five key areas of the Seal.
  
  

• Step  3: Start Your Improvement Journey
  Follow a clear pathway with milestones to improve practices and create more impact for women, children, and families.
  
  

• Step  4: Earn Your Seal Level
  As you make progress, you’ll be awarded one of four Seal levels—from Explorer to Champion—recognising your ongoing commitment and leadership.

Please email us to learn more.