The Mother and Child-Friendly Seal for Responsible Business is a business-led, locally driven framework advancing the well-being of women, children and communities in Sri Lanka’s tea and tourism industries.

 

Unlike traditional compliance programmes that focus on ticking boxes, the Seal is designed for real, lasting community impact. It’s shaped by businesses themselves; each company chooses its own improvement pathway and pace, focusing on the issues that matter most to them. The Centre provides expert guidance, support and independent evaluation along the way.

 

By committing to continuous, meaningful action, businesses lay the groundwork for a more resilient and sustainable industry. At its core, the Seal promotes dignity, equity and opportunity for women, and a better future for the communities that power Sri Lanka’s tea and tourism sectors.



THE SEAL INITIATIVE'S MISSION:


To establish a transparent, rights-based framework that empowers Sri Lanka’s formal tea and tourism businesses to build family-friendly supply chains, invest in the well-being of children and women, and lead the way in sustainable, responsible business.



KEY FEATURES AND PRINCIPLES:


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


HOW DOES IT WORK?


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:





BENEFITS OF SUPPORTING THE MOTHER AND CHILD-FRIENDLY SEAL FOR RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS:

 

  • Contributes towards a the building of a long-term, sustainable tea and tourism industry that is equipped to pragmatically tackle the challenges of tomorrow, including labour shortages

  • 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

 


HOW TO JOIN THE SEAL INITIATIVE - 4 SIMPLE STEPS:


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.


Seal Initiatives in Sri Lanka

Explore our Work (Seal Initiatives)

Sri Lanka International Children's Day: Spotlighting Business Initiatives to Support Children's Wellbeing
05/10/2023 | Our Impact
Sri Lanka International Children's Day: Spotlighting Business Initiatives to Support Children's Wellbeing
Read More
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Announcement: Selected Collaborations from our CRIB Tea Challenge
22/06/2023 | News
Announcement: Selected Collaborations from our CRIB Tea Challenge
The three winners will collaborate with the Mother and Child-Friendly Seal for Responsible Business to address issues employees and children face at their estates or factories.
Read More
/news-and-events/announcement-selected-collaborations-from-our-crib-tea-challenge
Empowering Prajãva through a Family-Friendly and Conscious Capitalism Business Model
14/05/2023 | News
Empowering Prajãva through a Family-Friendly and Conscious Capitalism Business Model
English Tea Shop Organic's CEO, Suranga Herath, discusses the company's people-centric operations and initiatives on the International Day of Families, highlighting the importance of investing in family-friendly workplaces.
Read More
/news-and-events/empowering-prajava-family-friendly-and-conscious-capitalism-business-model
Introducing the Child Rights in Business (CRIB) Podcast
23/02/2023 | News
Introducing the Child Rights in Business (CRIB) Podcast
Listen to our new podcast for interviews with leaders and innovators driving positive change for women and child rights in business.
Read More
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YouTube Playlist: Replay of Sri Lanka “Towards A Family-Friendly Tea Industry” Conference
20/12/2022 | Our Impact
YouTube Playlist: Replay of Sri Lanka “Towards A Family-Friendly Tea Industry” Conference
Read More
/impact/youtube-playlist-replay-of-sri-lanka-towards-a-family-friendly-tea-industry-conference
The Centre, Save the Children and English Tea Shop Launches First Ever Company-Invested Child Benefit Allowance Initiative in Sri Lanka
27/07/2022 | Our Impact
The Centre, Save the Children and English Tea Shop Launches First Ever Company-Invested Child Benefit Allowance Initiative in Sri Lanka
Read More
/impact/the-centre-save-the-children-and-english-tea-shop-launches-first-ever-company-invested-child-benefit-allowance-initiative-in-sri-lanka
Press Release | The Wellbeing of Women and Children Prioritised in Businesses: Launching the “Mother and Child-Friendly Seal for Responsible Business”, a First for Sri Lanka
07/06/2022 | News
Press Release | The Wellbeing of Women and Children Prioritised in Businesses: Launching the “Mother and Child-Friendly Seal for Responsible Business”, a First for Sri Lanka
Read More
/news-and-events/press-release-the-wellbeing-of-women-and-children-prioritised-in-businesses-launching-the-mother-and-child-friendly-seal-for-responsible-business-a-first-for-sri-lanka
Child Rights Risk Assessment in the Tea Industry Supply Chain in Sri Lanka
01/03/2021 | Our Impact
Child Rights Risk Assessment in the Tea Industry Supply Chain in Sri Lanka
Read More
/impact/child-rights-risk-assessment-in-the-tea-industry-supply-chain-in-sri-lanka
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How Brands and Retailers Can Support Women and Children in Sri Lanka’s Tea Industry

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Advancing Human Rights and Responsible Business Practices in Tourism

The Seal Initiative in Sri Lanka is paving the way towards a sustainable tourism industry that puts people first.

Watch the video

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