Ocean Lanka recently held its 10th annual ‘Loyalty Awards 2016’ awards ceremony to felicitate employees who had completed 10 years of service at the company. This colourful and vibrant event was held at the Grand Monarch in Thalawathugoda at which 63 employees received awards and mementoes from the management in appreciation of their loyalty to the company.These long serving employees were treated to some mouthwatering delights,scintillating musical performances and had a night full of fun and laughter with the whole family.

The event was held under the patronage of Dr. Austin Au, the Managing Director of Ocean Lanka who attended the event in the capacity of chief guest, while Dr. Kishu Gomes, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Chevron Lubricants Lanka was the keynote speaker. Other dignitaries at the event included members of the senior management team including Mr. Panduka Adikaram, Assistant General Manager - Finance and IT and Mr. Nalaka Buddhadasa, Assistant General Manager - Administration and Logistics. Other managers together with award recipients and their families were also in attendance.

Speaking at the event Dr. Au said, “We used to say that people are the most important assets of a company. I want to add that loyal members are invaluable assets of a company. As the management, we are extremely grateful to have them with us, like flesh and blood, or brother and sister. With their support, we are confident we can face any challenges and difficulties ahead.”

In his address Dr. Gomes stressed on the importance of focusing on developing a new set of skills which will make these long serving employees even more competitive in an ever changing corporate world and challenged them to ignite their creativity while embracing the new challenges of tomorrow.His motivational address was well received by all long serving employees and inspired them to take up new challenges.

Ocean Lanka has always encouraged a very family oriented culture within the company, and this has resulted in 1 in 4 employees having worked at the company for over 10 years. Long serving employees have also been given ample room to grow in the company with several of them having joined at a very junior level and today haveprogressed far in their careers. This has been backed up by the adoption of best HR practices, staff welfare schemes and a strong focus on employee health and safety. The culmination of all these practices has created pleasant working conditions and strong employee retention rates at Ocean Lanka.

Established in 1996, Ocean Lanka (Pvt) Ltd is Sri Lanka’s largest weft knitted fabric manufacturer that counts over 20 years of experience in producing high quality, world class fabrics. The company was set up as a joint venture between Hong Kong based listed Fountain Set (Holdings) Limited, one of the world’s largest circular knitted fabric manufacturers along with local apparel giants Brandix Lanka Limited and the Hirdaramani Group. Its major international client base comprises Victoria’s Secret, Tommy Hilfiger, Marks & Spencer, Nike, Next and Gap while its local clients include Brandix Lanka Limited, Hirdaramani Group, MAS Holdings and Next Manufacturing. Ocean Lanka operates a state-of-the-art production facility with extensive R&D capabilities and has a strong focus on sustainability and environmental conservation.

Photo Caption - The Long Serving Employees with the Management of Ocean Lanka