HUTCH Conducts Coastal Clean-Up in Celebration of World Sustainability Day

Hutch actively supports sustainable practices and is dedicated to protecting Sri Lanka’s natural eco system. This commitment was demonstrated through its recent Coastal Clean-Up 2024 at Wellawatte Beach, held in recognition of World Sustainability Day. The initiative, which took place on 19th of October 2024 at Wellawatte Beach, saw dedicated participation from HUTCH employees, embodying the company’s long-term vision of promoting sustainable practices and protecting the environment. The initiative is part of a series of broader initiatives aimed at driving environmental awareness and encouraging community engagement, while addressing key sustainability challenges facing Sri Lanka.

Held under the theme of World Sustainability Day 2024, “Our Land, Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration,” the HUTCH Beach Clean-Up 2024 aligned perfectly with the company’s commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goal 15—life on land and the protection of ecosystems. With a focus on restoring Sri Lanka’s coastal environments, HUTCH staff removed more than 250 kg of plastic and other waste from the coastline during the clean-up, all of which will be responsibly recycled. This project reinforces HUTCH’s broader mission of environmental conservation as a responsible corporate citizen.

Saumitra Gupta, CEO of HUTCH Sri Lanka, highlighted, “Sustainability is not a one-time activity; it’s an ongoing responsibility. Through initiatives like this beach clean-up, we aim to go beyond just removing waste to creating awareness and inspiring others to take proactive steps toward environmental preservation. Our efforts are part of a larger commitment to leave a positive and lasting impact on the communities we serve.”

Going beyond the immediate impact of waste removal, the clean-up is a crucial element of HUTCH’s comprehensive sustainability strategy focused on long-term ecosystem protection and environmental responsibility. HUTCH is committed to not just cleaning but regenerating these natural habitats through planned future activities such as large-scale tree planting, native plant restoration, and community education programs—each aimed at fostering resilient ecosystems and nurturing a culture of sustainable living.

About HUTCH Sri Lanka : HUTCH Sri Lanka, a subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings (CKHH), a Hong Kong-based Fortune 500 conglomerate, has firmly established itself as a key player in the Sri Lankan telecom industry. With a presence in over 50 countries and employing more than 300,000 people, CK Hutchison Holdings operates across six major sectors: Ports & Related Services, Retail, Infrastructure, Energy, Finance & Investments, and Telecommunications. CKHH reported revenues of USD 36 billion in 2022.

HUTCH entered the Sri Lankan market in 1997, starting with analogue services, and has since evolved into one of the country's largest mobile operators. Following the GSM launch in 2004, HUTCH expanded its services with 3G in 2011 and 4G in 2018. The acquisition of Etisalat Sri Lanka in 2019 further strengthened HUTCH's market position, allowing it to offer affordable and reliable services on both 078 and 072 prefixes. As of 2023, HUTCH's 4G network covers 95% of Sri Lanka's population, and the company is ready to roll out 5G services, reflecting its commitment to staying at the forefront of technology.

As the third-largest telecommunications provider in Sri Lanka, HUTCH continues to be a vital player in the nation’s digital transformation. With its widespread 4G coverage and affordable pricing, the company ensures that even the most remote areas of the island have access to reliable mobile connectivity. HUTCH is not only focused on expanding its technological capabilities, including its 5G readiness, but also on supporting the digital aspirations of Sri Lankans by offering innovative services that enhance everyday communication, business efficiency, and entertainment. With a commitment to affordability, quality, and customer satisfaction, HUTCH aims to serve as a key driver of Sri Lanka’s telecommunications growth in the years to come.