In a major step towards advancing circular economy solutions, Hirdaramani Apparel has partnered with the University of Moratuwa on a three-year research initiative to explore the transformation of textile waste into environmentally friendly ceiling panels.
The collaboration aims to address two critical global challenges—the increasing volume of textile waste and the growing demand for sustainable, biodegradable alternatives to conventional construction materials.
Under the research project titled “From Waste to Wonder,” the Pro Green Lab research team from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Moratuwa will investigate methods to convert discarded textile materials into durable, lightweight and environmentally responsible ceiling panel solutions.
The initiative represents an important milestone in Sri Lanka’s sustainability and innovation landscape, combining industry expertise with academic research capabilities to develop practical, scalable material solutions that support global circular economy objectives.
Aligned with Hirdaramani Apparel’s Future First Sustainability Roadmap, the partnership will focus on research collaboration, knowledge sharing and industry insights to identify commercially viable opportunities for transforming textile waste into valuable resources.
Commenting on the initiative, Madhawa Atapattu, Managing Director of Hirdaramani Apparel, said the project brings together science, sustainability and industry requirements to create meaningful environmental solutions.
He highlighted that converting textile waste into usable building materials represents a new way of thinking about resource management and has the potential to establish a benchmark for circular innovation across multiple industries.
The research will evaluate the suitability of textile waste as a sustainable raw material for ceiling panels, a sector where demand for environmentally responsible alternatives is increasing globally. The study will also assess the durability, long-term performance and commercial feasibility of the materials, with a focus on environmental impact and industrial scalability.
Leading the academic team for the research project, Senior Professor Rangika Halwathura of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, emphasised the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in creating impactful solutions.
He noted that partnerships of this nature demonstrate how combined expertise can drive innovation and contribute towards addressing real-world sustainability challenges.
Through this collaboration, Hirdaramani Apparel and the University of Moratuwa aim to demonstrate the potential of textile waste as a valuable resource while contributing to the development of sustainable materials for the future.
BIMT Campus Partners with AIT to Deliver Advanced Technology and Leadership Training for Commercial Bank of Ceylon
BIMT Campus, in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) Extension, Thailand, has successfully conducted a specialised Professional Development Programme on Women Leadership in the Banking Sector for professionals from Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC.
Held in Thailand from 22 to 28 June 2026, the seven-day executive development programme marked a significant milestone in the partnership between BIMT Campus and AIT Extension, with the Commercial Bank of Ceylon delegation participating as the inaugural cohort under this international leadership initiative.
The programme was designed to strengthen leadership capabilities among women professionals in the banking sector through a combination of academic knowledge, practical insights and global perspectives. Participants engaged in expert-led sessions covering key areas including Strategic Leadership, Interpersonal Intelligence, Organisational Synergy, Executive Communication, Sustainable Leadership, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Digital Transformation.
As part of the learning experience, participants also took part in study visits that provided valuable exposure to customer-focused innovation, digital banking solutions and service excellence practices within Thailand’s financial sector.
The programme incorporated a diverse range of learning methods, including executive presentations, simulation exercises, interactive workshops, panel discussions, group presentations, networking sessions and cultural experiences. These activities enabled participants to connect classroom learning with real-world leadership challenges while gaining international exposure and cross-cultural insights.
Delivered by experienced facilitators from AIT Extension and industry experts from leading financial institutions in Thailand, the programme equipped participants with practical tools and strategic knowledge to enhance leadership effectiveness in an increasingly dynamic and technology-driven banking environment.
Through this collaboration, BIMT Campus continues to expand its corporate learning portfolio by providing globally aligned executive education programmes that support organisations in developing future-ready leaders.
Hirdaramani Apparel and University of Moratuwa Partner to Transform Textile Waste into Sustainable Solutions
