Project Prithivi: Sustainable Biomass Supply for the Future

• Transitioning to cleaner energy sources, such as sustainably sourced biomass, is a colossal undertaking. MAS operations in Sri Lanka, at the MAS Fabric Park (MFP) and Biyagama Export Processing Zone (BEPZ), require approximately 320 tons of biomass per day (112,500 tons per annum).

Project Prithivi, our sustainable sourced biomass cultivation initiative at MFP, is an ambitious initiative to secure a sustainable energy-future for MAS. The project focuses on establishing and gradually scaling up a traceable supply of biomass; ensuring we meet our energy demands from cleaner sources, while responsibly managing potential environmental impacts.

Key Elements of Project Prithivi

• Target Species: Gliricidia sepium, a fast-growing, medium-sized tree that reaches heights of 10-12 meters (33-39 ft). This species is ideal due to its rapid regeneration capabilities.
• Cultivation and Harvesting Cycle: Once planted, the first pruning can occur just one and a half months later. The initial harvest is planned after a three-year maturity period, with subsequent harvests projected twice a year, ensuring a consistent supply of biomass.
• Scale and Yield: The current project spans over 70 acres, with a planting density of approximately 4,800 plants per acre (based on a 3ft x 3ft spacing). Each mature tree is expected to yield around 7 kg of biomass per harvest.
• Energy Efficiency: Gliricidia wood boasts a strong calorific value, typically ranging from 15 to 20 MJ/kg. This makes it an efficient and effective renewable energy source for our biomass-powered operations.

Project Prithivi is a long-term initiative with a medium time-horizon for returns. The first harvest, from 70 acres, is expected within three years. We expect to gradually expand the programme, which would improve the overall sustainability of our biomass supply. We have plans to enroll this new source of internal biomass supply, from Project Prithivi, with the SLS 1551:2016 standard; coinciding with ongoing sustainable-sourcing processes that apply to our main external suppliers of biomass. This will enable stronger traceability from field to gate, preventing natural forest encroachment or illegal harvesting and verifying biomass supply transparently.

In 2024, we made outstanding progress against our waste-related targets by driving new value enhancement initiatives, transforming waste streams across our operations and value chain, and redoubling our efforts to monitoring, train, and raise awareness amongst our people.

While the overarching goal of 100% value enhancement remains extremely ambitious, we have made significant progress in recent years through careful study of the potential of waste in terms of function, material, and structure; close monitoring of waste streams and waste management processes; and pioneering of innovative waste valorisation methods including recycling, reuse, and waste to energy operations.

However, in order to align our sustainability commitments with current realities while still holding ourselves to ambitious, forward-driving standards We have re-established our overall total non-hazardous waste value enhancement target to 80%, which is already a stretched target. This recalibrated goal is consistent with our expected performance and ensures transparency, accountability, and credibility in our reporting.

By the end of the year, we exceeding our internal target by a significant margin – achieving 76.2% of all non-hazardous waste value enhanced, up from 70.5% the previous year.

Innovation for Effluent Treatment and Management – LINEA AQUA

The previous Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) sludge, consisting of about 80% water, was dewatered using a vertical sand-bed filtration system. This method was both time-consuming and resource-intensive, requiring recurrent water removal by browser.

The Maintenance department of LINEA AQUA Hanwella, brainstorming with other teams, proposed and promptly initiated replacement of the vertical sand-bed with horizontal filtering tanks. This new initiative to dewater Sludge effluent was not only more cost-effective, but also resulted in a host of environmental benefits, efficiency gains, and cost-savings.

• Sludge volumes reduced by 24,000 litres per week
• Cost saving of LKR 5 Mn. per annum
• Enabled 70% internal water reuse for other operations
• Lowered water intake and overall CO₂ emissions

Successful implementation of this process shift was recognised with a bronze at the 2023 Future Stars Awards.

Going Zero Waste – MAS SILUETA

R2 Project:
Re-Purposing Waste

As part of our efforts to add value to waste, facility-level teams have pioneered the use of fabric waste, foam waste, and polythene to develop a variety of new and innovative products. The initiative currently produces items such as cartons, partitions, separators, paper books, calendars, soundproofing panels, holders, ceiling sheets, files, mousepads, and storage or packaging boxes.

Innovations to Upcycle Fabric Waste

The MAS Brand Protection Unit (BPU) receives excess written-off fabric from plants each month, and aims to give this fabric a second life. The Unit carries out a Reconsolidating and Broadcasting (R&B) Project wherein excess written-off fabric is upcycled for use within MAS by in-house design teams, to support small and medium entrepreneurs, and to manufacture products for sales at an internal boutique for MAS employees to purchase.

Fabric received is segregated according to category needs and upcycled in fabric and finished-good form. By doing so, the BPU reduces excess production of both Raw Materials and Finished Goods. In 2024, the Unit upcycled over 22,000 kg of fabric, equating to a water-saving of 830,000m3 and an emission-saving of 222,000 kgCO₂e.

Circularity through Textile-to-Textile (T2T) Recycling

We broke new ground in 2024, engaging with textile-to-textile recycling technology providers to pilot commercial-level Initiatives for high-cotton-content fabrics (e.g. 100% and 95% cotton), for which viable recycling solutions are already available.

Closed-loop T2T recycling plays an important role in the circular economy by reducing the demand for virgin materials, retaining materials within the textile and apparel ecosystem, and enabling multiple life-cycles for raw material inputs; all while maintaining high levels of traceability.

The Central Sustainability Team worked to proactively identify end-users and verify the diversion of fabric waste into T2T recycling streams. Successful implementations in 2024 included mechanically recycled cotton, for manufacturing of socks and home-furnishing textiles, which led to a verified 10.64% diversion rate for fabric waste to T2T recycling within the Group.

Our Bluesign Commitment

In 2022, we began alignment of our chemical management with Bluesign – one of the most stringent global sustainable chemical certifications. As of 2024, MAS Fabrics Private Limited – Intimo Division remains a Bluesign System Partner delivering Bluesign certified articles, and two additional facilities have been onboarded in obtaining Bluesign system partnership. Recognising our commitment to sustainable Textile Production, MAS Fabrics Private Limited – Intimo Division was awarded the Bluesign Appreciation Award in 2024.

Dye Facility SOPs for chemical procurement, aligned with the MAS Chemical Management Manual, mandate the use of Bluesign dyes and auxiliaries for dyeing operations Succes in this regard saw our Dye Facilities enhance compliance in 2024; achieving 95.4% Bluesign approved chemicals within 2024.

To support mainstreaming of this commitment, we conducted staff training that included awareness on Bluesign standards, assessed the latest updated version of Bluesign Black Limits for threshold limits, standards and guidance to inform our processes. We prioritised sourcing of low-risk Bluesign-approved chemicals, and continued to continue to encourage the use of Bluesign-approved chemicals in all inputs and in-house chemicals.

Innovation for Chemical Management Excellence

In 2024, we introduced chemical replacements and treatment cycle optimisations at some of our facilities that led to reduction in the Mass to Liquor Ratio (MLR). Reductions to MLR are hard-won gains in our industry; leading to cost-savings and process efficiencies, reduced water and chemical consumption, lowering overall energy costs, and lessening risk and impacts associated with wastewater treatment and discharge.

Other projects for responsible chemical management and sustainability, founded on green chemistry principles, included hot water recovery from dye baths, dye recipe optimisations using TDS, and the use of natural dyes and non-curing pigments.

One of our facilities achieved a water savings of 11,800 m³ by introducing a new chemical series that reduced the cycle time from 11 hours to 7 hours and improved the MLR from 1:12to 1:8, with another facility saving 47,700 m³ of water by optimizing the MLR from 1:15 to 1:10. Additionally, two facilities collectively saved 18,700 m³ through effective hot water recovery initiatives.

A key achievement for the year was the extension of our conservation footprint by 7,223 acres; including expansion of the Kenya Conservation project, Indonesia Reforestation project, and Minuwanella Reforestation project; restoration project in Rambapokuna and a new mangrove restoration project in Trincomalee.

This substantial scaling-up of biodiversity conservation efforts has enabled us to reach 79% of our 2025-target, with a cumulative area of 19,927.48 acres restored or conserved, including 1,561 acres verified by third-party professionals.

Panama In-Situ Turtle Conservation Project

Location: Panama, Sri Lanka

Conservation Area: 10 Acres, 3km Beach stretch

Project Partners: MAS Intimates, DIMO, Commercial Bank, Wildlife and Ocean Resources Conservation Society Ampara

Multiple species of endangered or critically endangered sea turtles have been known to use Sri Lanka’s coastline as a nesting ground. These majestic creatures, already under pressure due to ocean pollution and climate change, also face threats on land, particularly during their nesting season, which can have a significant negative impact on species survival rates.

Three of Sri Lanka’s best-known corporates came together to address this critical issue, partnering with a local environmental organisation – Wildlife and Ocean Resources Conservation Society. The project focuses on a 3km 10 acres stretch of beach extending from Kunukala Lagoon to Beedi Modara. This area is part of a longer 17 km stretch that is a well-known nesting hotspot for sea turtles from October through May.

From October 2023 to June 2024, the project successfully protected 272 turtle nests that would otherwise have been lost to human interference or natural predation. Safeguarding these nests in-situ, minimised disturbance to the natural incubation process and retained original nesting locations where parents could return in future years. Following the natural incubation period, over 17,000 turtle hatchlings were safely released into the ocean.

Such urgent and direct interventions by responsible corporations can dramatically increase the survival rate of new turtle generations, and contributing significantly to the conservation of these globally vulnerable species.

Blora Ngawi Biodiversity Restoration Project

Location: Central Java, Indonesia

Restoration Area: 7,470 acres (2023-2024)

Project Partners: PT. Pesona Indonesia Tours, Universitas Gadjah Mada, MAS Partners, MAS Capital, MAS KREEDA, MAS Intimates, Silueta, MAS Active, Bodyline, Noyon, Trischel, Prym Intimates

In 2023, we launched our second largest biodiversity project in terms of acreage, at Indonesia’s Central Java region, known for its rich biodiversity. One year in, the Blora Ngawi Biodiversity Restoration Project has successfully restored 7,470 acres of land; a significant re-establishment of healthy forest landscapes and building of ecosystem resilience.

The project’s objectives focus on holistic environmental stewardship:

• Developing a multi-stakeholder forest management model encompassing forest protection, development, land rehabilitation, and animal habitat enrichment.
• Improving the quality of wildlife habitat through ecosystem restoration and the protection of critical areas.
• Increasing wildlife populations in KHDTK Getas by expanding adequate habitat and enhancing protection efforts.

To achieve these goals, a meticulous and community-centric approach was adopted. Land preparation involved detailed planning and execution by local residents, ensuring ecological sensitivity and providing stable employment.

Over 527,460 trees from diverse species, including Coffee, Moringo oleifera, Indigofera, Senna siamea, Gliricidia sepium, Erythrina variegata, and Leucaena leucocephala, were strategically planted. This scale of tree-planting significantly contributes to the restoration of vital habitat for wildlife, and supports the long-term health of the ecosystem. The collaborative framework between MAS, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and PT. Pesona Indonesia Tours is a strong indicator of the potential for multi-stakeholder projects to achieve sustainable conservation outcomes at massive scale.

Ittapana Mangrove Forest Restoration Project

Location: Bentota, Sri Lanka

Project Area: 1 acre

Planted Species: Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Bruguiera cylindrica, Cerbera manghas, Sonneratia alba Project Partners: Linea Aqua (Pvt) Ltd, Center for sustainability University of Sri Jayawardenapura Sri Lanka’s mangroves play a vital role in the health and resilience of the island-nation’s coastal and riparian ecosystems. Mangrove forests are unique intertidal ecosystems that are critical for biodiversity, coastal and riverbank protection, and the livelihoods of local communities. They serve as nurseries for fish and shellfish, provide nesting sites for birds, and act as natural barriers against erosion.

Recognising their immense ecological and socio-economic value, the Ittapana Mangrove Forest Restoration Project was launched in 2023 to rehabilitate a degraded one-acre site within the Ittapana Mangrove Conservation Forest in Bentota.

Core objectives of the project included:

• Restoring degraded land to a healthy ecological balance.
• Addressing environmental degradation from saltwater intrusion and unsustainable anthropogenic activities.
• Re-establishing thriving mangrove ecosystems to boost biodiversity, prevent erosion, and enhance carbon sequestration.
• Raising awareness and delivering tangible benefits to local communities and other target groups.

By the end of 2024, the project has successfully planted 500 mangrove saplings from key species, achieving an impressive 94% survival rate. The project also completed a number of critical steps for long-term ecosystem health, including the clearing of invasive species, establishment of a 25-ft buffer zone, and construction of drainage canals to optimise saltwater levels.

The project has also contributed a number of direct and indirect benefits to the community, including:

• Restoration of crucial fish nurseries, supporting local fisheries and potential ecotourism.
• Enhanced water purification and retention, beneficial for local agriculture.
• Reduced risks of coastal erosion and storm damage, protecting coastal communities.
• Opportunities for economic benefits through sustainable use of revitalised mangrove resources.

Community involvement has been at the heart of the project’s success. Local residents established and managed two community nurseries, participated in comprehensive training on mangrove care, and actively engaged in site clearing, planting, and ongoing maintenance. University students also provided invaluable support with GPS mapping and data collection.

The project also facilitated numerous education and awareness sessions for university students, international school groups, and foreign delegates. University-led research is now underway to propagate Kirala (Sonneratia alba) plants, to develop the Ittapana Mangroves into a hub for continued restoration and further knowledge sharing.

Removal of Invasive Alien Species – Ulex europaeus

Location: Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka

Conservation Area: 244 acres

Project partners: Federation of Environmental Organisations (FEO), Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), MAS Intimates, Linea Aqua,Trischel and Prym Intimates

Target Invasive Species:

Ulex europaeus

Horton Plains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It is a unique montane ecosystem characterised by cloud forests, grasslands, and exceptional biodiversity, including endemic flora and fauna. However, this fragile ecosystem faces significant threats from Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS), particularly Ulex europaeus, which has spready rapidly, threatening the park’s ecological integrity and the survival of its unique species, including endemic grazing herbivores like the Sambar.

In 2023, MAS partnered with the Federation of Environmental Organisations (FEO) and the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) to address the threat of Ulex europaeus. The main objectives of this initiative are twofold: to remove IAPS prior to seed generation – preventing further spread and facilitating the growth of native varieties; and to involve workers from surrounding communities – fostering local ownership and providing them with stable income.

By the end of 2024, we can report significant progress - including completion of the first round of Ulex europaeus removal for over 82% of the identified areas. This remarkable achievement was completed ahead of schedule; testament to the dedication of field associates and local community workers, and their understanding of the project’s rationale and urgency. The commitment of local workers, who receive regular employment through the initiative, has been instrumental in accelerating the removal process. Phase 2 will commence following the same sequential order as the initial clearance, ensuring that any Ulex re-growth is addressed swiftly before it can flower and spread.

Beyond direct ecological impact, the project has catalysed invaluable relationships and mutual learning. The DWC team deployed to Horton Plains National Park has worked collaboratively with FEO, enabling and extending the reach of both organisations. An exemplar has been broader community engagement through the ENVFORCE Youth Alliance, and FEO’s local projects with schools located in Dayagama; where project teams raise awareness on conservation, biodiversity, and the importance of coexistence.

Research on the Sri Lankan Leopard and Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC)

Location: Eastern Range, Sinharaja World Heritage Site, Sri Lanka

Project Duration: 5-year study/ highlight, commenced in 2022 (ongoing)

Project Partners: Wildlife Conservation Society Galle, MAS Intimates

Resource Persons: Supun Deshaprema, Madura De Silva, Sisira Darshana

Our commitment to preserving biodiversity and conserving Sri Lanka’s last virgin rainforest, goes as far back as 2017, with eight conservation projects carried out to-date. In 2022, partnering with the Galle Conservation Society, MAS initiated its first single-species conservation project - focused on the Sri Lankan leopard population in Eastern Sinharaja.

The Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya), classified as an Endangered species (EN), is widely recognised as the sole apex terrestrial predator in Sri Lanka. While significant research has focused on leopard populations in the dry-zone, scientific understanding of their wet-zone counterparts, particularly in fragmented forest ecosystems, remains limited. The Sinharaja World Heritage Site, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site and a global biodiversity hotspot, represents one such critical wet-zone habitat. Despite their protected status and presence within a national forest reserve, increasing territorial overlap with human settlements, particularly tea estates in the region, has led to a rise in Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC); which is posing a significant threat to leopard populations and human livelihoods.

As part of our Leopard Conservation Project, a team of well-known researchers are conducting a longitudinal study to identify the possible reasons for human-leopard conflict in the southwestern wet-zone and propose measures that would result in mitigating the problem; using Eastern Sinharaja as a study area. The team is monitoring leopard behaviour in an anthropogenic landscape, and also studying decades-worth of data on human-leopard encounters in the area to identify HWC hotspots. Other objectives of the project include:

• Estimating the density of leopard populations in forest patches associated with tea estates where human-leopard encounters are high.
• Assessing prey densities and diet preferences of leopards, testing two hypotheses: (i) that leopards are drawn to estates due to a lack of food in their natural habitat, and (ii) due to a preference for easy prey.
• Gathering perspectives of the stakeholders from the estate sector; on leopards and the possibility of human-leopard coexistence.

As part of the ongoing study, research findings are already shedding light on this elusive predator and improving overall knowledge on the challenging topic of HWC.

Throughout the five-year period, 396 leopard scat samples have been meticulously collected and analysed to identify prey species. Samples were categorized based on their aerial distance from the forest boundary to assess dietary variations.

Dietary Preferences: Analyses revealed that 35.85% of scat samples contained bone particles of Sambar (Rusa unicolor), indicating that Sambar is a preferred prey species for leopards in the Eastern Sinharaja range.

Triggering Factors for Conflict: A considerable percentage of scat samples contained bone particles of domestic dogs, highlighting a significant contributing factor to human-leopard conflict. This suggests that leopards may be preying on domestic animals, potentially due to proximity to human settlements.

Habitat Preference, Triggers, and Potential HWC Hotspots: Direct and indirect evidence collected during the study indicates that leopards prefer forest margins, grasslands, or marshy areas over dense forest interiors. This finding is crucial as these preferred habitats often border human-dominated landscapes, increasing the likelihood of encounters.

Based on ongoing research and identified conflict drivers, several proactive conservation actions have already been integrated with the project for implementation:

• Education and awareness for tea plantation management, staff, and workers on the importance of leopard protection has been a key initiative. Similar education programmes have been conducted for schools in the study area.
• Regular removal of snares around the borders of the Eastern Sinharaja area is being developed carried out with the active participation of tea plantation workers, cardamom pluckers, and voluntary groups. Snares are a major cause of accidental leopard mortality and injury in these transitional zones. Further, collection of motorbike and three-wheel brake and clutch cables from local sources aims to prevent these materials from being repurposed into snares by hunters.
• Mapping and listing individuals who own cattle and goats around identified red zones (areas marked as high-risk for leopard attacks on livestock) is underway. This will support targeted engagement in the future.

Impact of Mangrove Restoration

Location: Sambaltheevu Lagoon, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Area Conserved: 10 acres

Planted Species: Avicennia sp. and Rhizophora sp.

Project Partners: Department of Forest Conservation, MAS Capital

Research partners: University of Colombo, University of Kelaniya

Since 2023, MAS has partnered with the Department of Forest Conservation to undertake a vital mangrove reforestation project. In 2024, to ensure scientific rigor and contribute to the long-term success of our restoration efforts, we worked with a research team led by prominent academics from the University of Colombo and University of Kelaniya.

The research project focused on assessing the survival rate and growth performance of planted Rhizophora mucronata seedlings, evaluating the impact of environmental factors on seedling survival and growth. Analysis from the research team would also support documentation of associated fauna and flora in the area and predicting the carbon sequestration impact of restoration.

Just nine months from project inception, our initial findings are highly encouraging:

High Survival Rate: Healthy restoration of Rhizophora mucronata was observed with an impressive 80.88% survival rate, indicating the suitability of planting techniques and site selection.

Natural Regeneration: Significantly, Avicennia marina was found to be regenerating naturally at the restoration site alongside the planted Rhizophora mucronata.

Environmental Influences: Environmental factors such as salinity, tidal influence, and herbivory by terrestrial animals were identified as key factors affecting the survival and growth of Rhizophora mucronata seedlings. This understanding is crucial for refining future restoration strategies.

Carbon Sequestration Potential: Early projections indicate that after 15 years, the restoration site will sequester approximately 4.822 tonnes of carbon per hectare per year after.

Impact of Invasive Removal

Location: Bundala National Park, Sri Lanka

Area Conserved: 844.76 acres

Target Invasive Species: Prosopis juliflora

Project Partners: Department of Wild Life Conservation, Department of Wild Life Conservation, Linea Aqua, Bodyline, Noyon, MAS Capital, Trischel

Bundala National Park, a Ramsar wetland and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is a critical habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna - particularly as a wintering ground for migratory waterbirds. However, like many protected areas globally, Bundala has faced significant threats from Invasive Alien Species (IAS), with Prosopis juliflora being a dominant concern. Prosopis juliflora is a highly aggressive, fast-growing thorny shrub that forms dense, impenetrable thickets. Its rapid spread displaces native vegetation, reduces grazing lands, alters soil chemistry, and negatively impacts water availability, thereby threatening the park’s delicate ecosystem balance and the biodiversity it supports.

Following our IAS-removal project at Bundala, conducted between 2018 and 2022, we commissioned an impact assessment to study the effectiveness of our conservation efforts and add to body of knowledge on understanding and mitigating the ecological impacts of Prosopis juliflora.

The assessment sought to assess how faunal and floral diversity was affected by the invasive removal, to determine if invasive removal directly supports herbivore populations within the Park, and to assess the status of other invasive species in areas where Prosopis juliflora has been removed.

Our initial assessment following the Prosopis juliflora removal yielded promising insights:

Faunal and Floral Diversity: While further confirmation through additional field visits is needed, preliminary data suggests a non-significant but higher diversity of both butterflies and birds in the cleared areas; compared to uncleared control areas. This hints at a positive trend towards ecosystem recovery and increased ecological-niche availability for the Park’s native residents and migrants.

Support for Herbivores: A significant positive outcome was observed, with increased grass cover in cleared areas, which was twice that in non-cleared areas. This directly supports and enhances the habitats for herbivores, providing crucial forage and potentially leading to an increase in their populations.

Status of Other Invasive Species: Eupatorium odoratum and Lantana camara were observed in both cleared and non-cleared areas, with a higher abundance of Lantana camara noted in cleared areas. This highlights a critical challenge that requires addressing.

In 2024, overall water efficiency showed continued progress toward our 2025-target, reflecting an aggregated 50% water intensity reduction against the 2011 baseline. This is a 12% reduction in water intensities of our Textile Production operations and 7% reduction in water intensity of our Apparel Manufacturing operations, against the previous year.

Our ongoing initiatives for water conservation, in the form of daily water-meter monitoring and balancing, installation of water-efficient fittings with adjusted flow-rates that are compliant with MAS internal standards and international best-practices, regular meter verification, proactive leak detection, and employee awareness programmes; all contributed to reducing our water-intensity.

Protecting Catchment Areas and Aquatic Ecosystems

Kalu Ganga and Karasnagala watershed, Sri Lanka

Bodyline launched a landmark sustainability initiative in collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Environment; planted over 2,000 trees along the Banks of the Kalu Ganga.

The project also united over 250 Bodyline volunteers, who contributed more than 1,000 volunteer-hours, as they worked alongside local communities to set up and ensure long-term care of the newly planted trees. Additionally, we partnered with MAS Eco Go Beyond (EGB) project students, instilling in them a lasting sense of responsibility toward environmental conservation. This structured care and maintenance plan ensures the long-term survival of the trees through dedicated support from responsible stakeholders.

Sri Lanka’s Kalu Ganga directly supports over 800,000 local residents, including a large number of MAS employees from the Thalahitiya-Yatawara area - which was chosen for the project implementation. While the project sought to enhance their and preserve the region’s rich ecosystem, an intentional additional benefit of the project was to strengthen the natural buffer along the riverbank; effectively mitigating flooding risks and improving the resilience of both our employees and the broader community.

MAS KREEDA Campus completed a similar project during the year, working to enhance the ecosystem quality of water catchment areas at the Karasnagala watershed region; planting 400 Kumbuk (Terminalia arjuna) and Mee trees (Madhuca longifolia) , in collaboration with Sri Lanka’s Water and Drainage Board, local communities, and school children from the area.

The local Kumbuk tree species was selected for these projects due to its significant environmental benefits. It plays a crucial role in water purification and flood risk mitigation. With its deep root system, Kumbuk stabilises riverbanks, preventing soil erosion and reducing sedimentation in waterways. Acting as a natural filter, it also helps absorb pollutants and improve water quality. Additionally, Kumbuk trees regulate water flow by absorbing excess rainwater, reducing surface runoff, and minimising the risk of floods.

Community-Focused Water Initiatives

Kalpitiya and Anuradhapura Districts, Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura Pooja Bhoomiya is one of Sri Lanka’s most significant religious and cultural sites, drawing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and tourists each day. On average, between 200,000 to 250,000 people visit the site, with numbers surging during special religious events and holidays.

However, despite the site’s importance, there was a significant challenge: a shortage of clean drinking water for many visitors. Local raw-water resources had particularly high levels of hardness, making it unsuitable for safe consumption without suitable purification.

Existing water supply systems included a Reverse-Osmosis (RO) water purification plant, capable of processing 10,000 litres of water per day. The plant was installed and maintained by the Sri Lanka Navy, but even with this facility, the demand for clean water far exceeded its capacity.

Recognising the urgent need for safe drinking water, Bodyline stepped in to install an additional RO plant capable of processing 15,000 liters of water per day. Once commissioned, this would more supplement the existing system, effectively doubling the capacity and provide adequate purified water to meet the demands of visitors. To further improve accessibility, drinking water tap-basins were also set up at high-traffic areas between the road leading to Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya and Ruwanweliseya – a path used by nearly all the visitors to the area.

A similar Community Water Project in Kalpitiya was implemented through a collaborative effort between the Sri Lanka Air Force, MAS Capital, and Bodyline. Since completion, the project has significantly improved access to clean drinking water for isolated communities in the Kalpitiya region. Prior to the project completion, 350 local families and approximately 100 Sri Lanka Air Force and Civil Security Force personnel relied on a tube well with high salinity, forcing villagers to travel 5km for water or buy bottled supplies, with the Air Force required to transport water from 50km away, on a weekly basis. The project created access to safe, accessible water; drastically reducing the burden on residents and civil security staff.

MAS Fabric Park

MAS Fabric Park (MFP) is an MAS-owned manufacturing zone housing a number of apparel and textile facilities. MFP provides utility services for each of its facilities:

In-House Water Treatment and Distribution, with a capacity of up to 9,000 Cu.m/day. MFP treats and distributes the water as per the SLS 614 and WHO standards. This system generates around 62% of the Group’s total water requirement.

In-House Wastewater Management and Disposal, with an installed capacity of up to 8,500 Cu.m/day. MFP treats and discharges wastewater according to national standards and globally accepted ZDHC protocols. MFP CETP manages and treats up to 60% of the total wastewater generated by the Group.

An in-house water and wastewater quality testing lab, accredited by the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board (SLAB), maintains operations compliant with the ISO IEC 17025 Laboratory Management System. The Lab is registered with Sri Lanka’s Central Environment Authority (CEA), and maintains compliant testing while providing faster feedback, and conducting R&D for all the above process.

Textile production effluent (wet sludge management and in-house co-incinerations) – MFP handles almost 100% of the Group’s textile sludge volume. Sludge is dewatered from 75% M.C. to 25% M.C. using a Solar Drier (at Biyagama) and Biomass Driers (at MFP). In-House Co-Incinerations are carried out at a newly commissioned 17 Ton customised multifuelled boiler (Biomass + Dried textile sludge). Of the final output, heavy ash and slag are used for the production of cement blocks (ECO Bricks).

MFP operates Sri Lanka’s very first industrial composting project implemented for Organic Waste generated at the Industrial Processing Zone. The composting system has the capacity to produce 2,000 tons of Compost per annum. The massive impact of the project was recognised at the MAS Changemaker Awards 2023, under the Planet category.

Photon Phase I and II, are housed within MFP, with an installed capacity of 22.84 MW across MAS facilities and estimated annual generation of 29 GWh. The estimated carbon footprint reduction from the Photon project amounts to around 17,800 TCO₂e per year.