The first cohort of the Hyacinthesis Accelerator has successfully completed its programme, marking an important milestone in the development of commercially viable products made from water hyacinth. The initiative aims to strengthen Sri Lanka’s circular economy while creating new opportunities for export growth.
The programme is supported by Scott Dunn, The Conservation Collective and the Lanka Environment Fund (LEF), and implemented by The Foundation For A Good Life (Guarantee) Limited (TFGL) in partnership with Good Life X (GLX).
The five local enterprises participating in Cohort 1 — Ima Water Hyacinth (Hambantota), Sustain U (Bandaragama), JJ Products (Ehetuwewa), Kumari Athkam (Galgamuwa) and Pradeepa Eco Products (Bingiriya) — will unveil their newly developed products at two upcoming events. The first will be an invitation-only retail showcase on 13 November 2026, followed by a public launch at Good Market on 14 November. Further pop-up events are also planned ahead of the holiday season.
Commenting on the programme, Hyacinthesis Accelerator Programme – Cohort 1 Project Lead Lonali Rodrigo said: “Circularity is not simply about finding a use for a material that would otherwise go to waste. It is about building the conditions for that material to create lasting value. With Hyacinthesis, we are working to connect these elements so that environmental responsibility becomes part of how value is created, not an afterthought.”
As part of the programme, each participating enterprise underwent an initial diagnostic assessment and received a customised business transformation plan addressing its specific development requirements. The programme also delivered six workshops covering essential areas such as business fundamentals, sustainability and environmental practices, product design, finance, branding and marketing.
Participants further benefited from engagement with designers, technical specialists and potential buyers from the retail and ecotourism sectors. These interactions provided valuable exposure to potential market opportunities while helping enterprises expand their professional networks and strengthen their routes to market.
Business and Technical Expert for the Hyacinthesis Accelerator Programme, Prabuddha Battuwatte, added: “By connecting material innovation with enterprise capabilities and market demand, the Hyacinthesis Accelerator is building the foundations for an economically and environmentally sustainable value chain in Sri Lanka. One that links responsible resource use with commercial opportunity and sustainable livelihoods.”
Maliban Group Secures Eight Awards at SLIM National Sales Awards 2026
Maliban Group has achieved a significant milestone by winning eight awards at the SLIM National Sales Awards (NASCO) 2026, recognising the exceptional dedication, teamwork and performance of its sales professionals. The achievement further highlights the continued success of a trusted brand that has been part of Sri Lankan households for over seven decades.
The recognition reflects the capabilities and strength of Maliban’s sales force, alongside the Group’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards across its markets. The awards also acknowledge the vital role played by its employees in building brand value, strengthening market presence and contributing to sustained business growth.
Organised by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), the National Sales Awards (NASCO) is one of the country’s leading platforms for recognising excellence among sales professionals. The awards celebrate individuals and teams demonstrating outstanding capabilities in sales performance, leadership, customer relationship management and overall business contribution.
For Maliban Group, securing eight awards is a testament to the collective dedication of its sales teams and their consistent efforts to achieve business objectives. It also demonstrates the Group’s commitment to investing in its people while encouraging a workplace culture built on collaboration, accountability, strong performance and continuous development.
Over the past 70 years, Maliban has established itself as one of Sri Lanka’s most recognised and cherished household brands, growing alongside generations of consumers. Its longstanding reputation, built on quality, reliability and a strong understanding of local market needs, has been reinforced by the efforts of teams that ensure its products reach households and communities throughout the island.
This latest achievement highlights the importance of Maliban’s people in shaping the Group’s continued progress. Through strong partnerships with customers and trade stakeholders, as well as ensuring the brand’s accessibility across diverse markets, its sales professionals remain central to transforming the Group’s vision and ambitions into tangible business results.
Hyacinthesis Accelerator Marks Successful Completion of First Cohort, Welcomes Second Cohort to Drive New Innovations
