SAGT recognized for gender equality and CSR leadership at WiLAT Awards 2024

South Asia Gateway Terminals Ltd. (SAGT), Sri Lanka’s first Public Private Partnership (PPP) and flagship venture of the Board of Investment (BOI), emerged Winner and Runner Up in the Sustainability Champion category for the Freight, Aviation, and Maritime Industry at the recently concluded Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT) Awards 2024.

A trailblazer in advancing gender equality in the maritime sector, SAGT was recognized for its strong commitment to empowering women in the workplace. Gender inclusivity is a central pillar of the company’s sustainability strategy. Initiatives include the implementation of an anti-sexual harassment policy, a paternity leave policy, and targeted efforts to encourage women to pursue non-traditional roles within terminal operations.

In a groundbreaking move in September 2024, SAGT secured regulatory approval for female employees to work night shifts in select operational roles. By January 2025, 12 women had been integrated into these positions, increasing female workforce representation from 4.4% to 6.3%. SAGT is also a signatory to the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles and a member of the IFC-led SheWorks partnership, actively collaborating with industry bodies to promote gender equity in logistics and maritime.

The Company was also recognized for its impactful efforts to curb malnutrition in Sri Lanka during the height of the nation’s economic crisis. With rising food inflation and widespread shortages, production at Sri Lanka Thriposha Limited— the government’s national nutrition program—had come to a halt. SAGT stepped in with a contribution of LKR 184 million worth of essential ingredients, enabling the production of 3 million packs of fortified food. This initiative directly benefited over 1.5 million pregnant and lactating mothers and young children across the country, helping combat malnutrition in vulnerable communities.

Commenting on the awards SAGTs Chief Commercial Officer Ted Muttiah stated “These awards underscore SAGT’s deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, gender empowerment, and Corporate Social Responsibility reaffirming its role as a leader in creating a more inclusive and resilient future”.