• Safwan AMM
• 13 November, 2025

Building a sustainable Future Starts with each of us

Last week, our community experienced something special — an awareness program about sustainable living, held not in an office, but right in a public place. It was the first time such an event happened here, and the organizers spoke openly with people from every walk of life. The message was clear:

   “Each and every individual is accountable for keeping sustainability alive — at home, at work, and in public.”

That thought stayed with me. Because sustainability is no longer just a government topic or a company policy — it’s now a personal responsibility and a business mindset.

🌍 Sustainability is Now a Leadership Role

Across the world, many companies have begun treating sustainability as a core part of leadership. In fact, most large organizations now have a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) — someone whose main job is to build eco-friendly strategies and make sure the company grows responsibly.
A few years ago, such positions were rare. But today, over 75% of global executives believe sustainability should be a key part of their business strategy. These leaders are not only thinking about profit but also people and the planet.
It’s encouraging to see this change because it shows that “green thinking” is finally moving from paper to action.

💼 What This Means for Businesses in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, even small and medium enterprises can play a big part in this global movement. We may not have a Chief Sustainability Officer, but we can start with small, smart actions:
       Use energy-efficient lighting and switch off machines when not needed.
       Encourage eco-friendly packaging and reduce plastic use.
       Create a green corner in your office — even a few plants can change the mood and air quality.
       Support local suppliers who follow sustainable practices.
When these ideas become part of our company culture, we automatically create a sustainable brand image — something customers respect and employees feel proud of.

🌿 Leadership Starts with Everyday Choices

One thing that inspired me most from the awareness program was how simply they explained responsibility. They said:

      “You don’t need to wear a suit to be a sustainability leader. You just need to care.”

A cleaner who ensures waste is properly sorted, a manager who avoids unnecessary printing, or a family that saves water — all are leaders in their own way.
Sustainability doesn’t start with big speeches or expensive campaigns. It starts when we say, “Let’s not waste what we have.”

🌏 Moving Forward

As business leaders, we have to look beyond monthly sales and start thinking about long-term survival — of our business, our people, and our environment. The future belongs to companies that are accountable, transparent, and environmentally conscious.
Sustainability isn’t just a moral duty — it’s now a smart business strategy. Customers today prefer brands that care, employees want to work where values matter, and investors are drawn to companies that think long-term.
So whether we run a factory, a shop, or even a small online business, we can all start building a more sustainable Sri Lanka — one thoughtful action at a time.