Watch the Replay of the Mother and Child-Friendly Seal for Responsible Business Launch Event

The Centre's CEO Ines Kaempfer speaks during the launch of the Seal Initiative in Sri Lanka on June 15, 2022.

On June 15, 2022, The Centre for Child Rights and Business in partnership with Save the Children, and key stakeholders, the Planters Association of Ceylon, Plantation Human Development Trust, Ministry of Women and Child Affairs launched Sri Lanka’s first “Mother and Child-Friendly Seal for Responsible Business” (Seal initiative).

The in-person event in Colombo, Sri Lanka was livestreamed via Zoom, enabling audiences worldwide to join the milestone occasion (please scroll down to watch the replay). During the event, seven business entities confirmed their commitment to the initiative, which they verified in writing during an auspicious signing ceremony. These companies will start their capacity self-assessments in the coming month. Several more companies have expressed interest to join at the launch event. 

Photo: Mr. Johann Rodrigo, CEO, Horana Plantations signing the commitment letter to take part in the Seal Initiative

The strong interest in this initiative confirms that there is appetite in Sri Lanka to further bolster its reputation as a sustainable, ethical sourcing destination. With the country in its worst economic crisis in history, the role of international buyers and brands is more pertinent than ever. By investing in women and children in Sri Lanka’s tea sector, business entities along the supply chain can play a key role in uplifting the country’s economy and global repute. Reflecting this need for increased business engagement, the Seal Initiative has a long-term vision and strategy to expand to other business sectors, especially to the textile and apparel and tourism sectors, in the upcoming years. 

Please watch a replay of the full launch event here or via Youtube:

What is the Mother and Child Seal for Responsible Business?

The Mother and Child Friendly Seal for Responsible Business supports business entities in undertaking a capacity self-assessment to better understand where they are currently at in terms of addressing potential risks to children in their own business operations as well as that of their supply chain and to make meaningful investments that will strengthen and address prioritised areas, collaborate with other stakeholders such as development agencies, CSOs and government institutions to promote and protect women and children’s rights and to demonstrate the Sri Lankan tea industry’s progress in its transformation as a family-friendly tea supply chain.

Please visit www.srilanka-motherandchildseal.org for more information or contact us.