CBL’s Convenience Foods (Lanka) PLC achieves OHSAS 18001 certification

Convenience Foods (Lanka) PLC, a subsidiary of Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL), the pioneer in manufacturing and marketing Lankasoy, the market leader for soya based products in Sri Lanka, was awarded the OHSAS 18001 certification for Occupational Health and Safety Management System, by Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) recently. The Company has consistently demonstrated its focus on quality and productivity, and by earning the OHSAS certification, it has further showcased its commitment to the health and safety of its workforce, which ultimately results in high quality products reaching the consumer.

Commenting on the awarding of the certification Thilanka De Soyza – Managing Director, Convenience Foods (Lanka) PLC said, “I am happy that our company has obtained the certification of OHSAS 18001 for Occupational Health and Safety Management System. By implementing this management system, we facilitate a safe working environment. It will further help to enhance the image of the company as a ‘Great Place to Work’. We are always geared to implement processes and systems which will enhance productivity and safety of the employees.”

G. Gamini Dharmawardana – Director General/CEO of Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI), went on to say, “My congratulations to the Chairman and staff of Convenience Foods (Lanka) PLC for their dedication and single-minded focus to implement an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) as a fundamental part of their risk management strategy to address changing legislation and to protect their workforce and other stakeholders. The prestigious OHSAS 18001 Certification lends the Company a competitive edge in the global market and extends other benefits such as public recognition as a Safety-led organization; the ability to prevent accidents and motivate employees; and also offers the advantage to leverage on this certification as an excellent marketing tool.”

OHSAS 18001 is the International Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management Standard. It provides a framework for the effective management of OH&S including all aspects of risk management and legal compliance. It addresses occupational health and safety rather than any specific product safety matters. It promotes a safe and healthy working environment by providing a framework that helps organizations to identify and control health and safety risks; reduce the potential for accidents; aid legal compliance and improve overall performance.

The most important aspect of an OHSAS 18001 OH&S management system is the requirement to identify workplace hazards that could adversely impact the health and safety of the organization’s employees and of other people who may be affected by the organization’s activities. The scope of the Certificate extends to manufacturing and packing of Textured Soya Protein, Textured Vegetable Protein, Extruded Snacks, Breakfast Cereals and Instant soup mixtures. Convenience Foods (Lanka) PLC manufactures a range of quality food products under the brand names Lankasoy, Nutriline Cereal, Ramba Snacks and Rasahari Soups. Convenience Foods (Lanka) PLC also currently holds ISO 9001:2008, HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000 and ISO 14001 certifications.

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Iranga Mahanama – Quality Assurance Manager, Convenience Foods (Lanka) PLC, Asanka Kodithuwakku – Productivity Development Executive, Convenience Foods (Lanka) PLC, Nandana Wickramage – Group Director Head of Marketing & Sales, Ceylon Biscuits Limited, Sheamalee Wickramasingha – Group Managing Director, Ceylon Biscuits Limited, R. S. Wickramasingha – Group  Chairman, Ceylon Biscuits Limited, Pradeep Gunawardana – Chairman, Sri Lanka Standards Institution, T.G.G. Dharmawardane – Director General, Sri Lanka Standards Institution, Nishka Wickramasingha – Group Director, Ceylon Biscuits Limited, Dasun Mendis – Finance Manager, Convenience Foods (Lanka) PLC