In a visit to Sri Lanka, Marks & Spencer’s boss has hailed the country’s “ethical standards” and assured that he will he do ‘everything possible to support Sri Lanka’s application for the GSP+ concessions’.
Chief Executive Officer, Sir Stuart Rose told Sri Lankan ministers Professor G. L. Peiris and Dr. Sarath Amunugama: "I deeply appreciate Sri Lanka’s ethical standards and her splendid performance in the apparel sector"
Ignoring Sri Lanka’s human rights record and the European Union’s (EU) recent announcement linking Sri Lanka’s compliance to human rights and labor rights conventions, Rose extended his full support for Sri Lanka’s application for GSP+ concessions.
"I understand how important the GSP+ scheme is for Sri Lanka. I will do everything possible to support your application for these concessions", said Rose.
After visiting MAS Intimates Thurulie, Marks and Spencer’s’ new and Sri Lanka’s first eco-friendly manufacturing plant at MAS Fabric Park, Thulhiriya Rose said: "This is one the best factories that I ever visited"
"There are others who merely talk, but Sri Lanka is a doer, that’s what makes the difference".
The innovative green plant will manufacture lingerie for M&S, UK’s largest clothing retailer, which operates stores in more than 30 countries.
Describing the factory as a trend-setter, Rose noted: ‘Sri Lanka set standards which others will and should follow".
The launch of the eco-friendly plant is in keeping with Marks and Spencer new drive, called "Plan A", towards ethical trading and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
The five-year scheme will see M&S become carbon neutral, stop sending waste to landfill and extend its sustainable sourcing by 2012.
Whilst applauding Marks and Spencer’s eco-friendly approach to business, political observers questioned Rose’s wisdom on supporting Sri Lanka, a country accused of grave human rights abuses by international rights groups.
According to Sri Lankan daily, The Island, delighted by the unexpected boost to Sri Lanka’s GSP+ cause, Ministers Peiris and Amunugama who visited the factory with Rose congratulated him for the inspiring speech.
Speaking at the event, Amunugama emphasized the importance Sri Lanka attaches to the GSP+ saying this scheme sustains the country’s 7% growth.
"The GSP+ is not a give away, but a hard earned reward for managing our apparel industry exceedingly well", The Island quoted noted.
"We rightly deserve these concessions".
Chief Executive Officer, Sir Stuart Rose told Sri Lankan ministers Professor G. L. Peiris and Dr. Sarath Amunugama: "I deeply appreciate Sri Lanka’s ethical standards and her splendid performance in the apparel sector"
Ignoring Sri Lanka’s human rights record and the European Union’s (EU) recent announcement linking Sri Lanka’s compliance to human rights and labor rights conventions, Rose extended his full support for Sri Lanka’s application for GSP+ concessions.
"I understand how important the GSP+ scheme is for Sri Lanka. I will do everything possible to support your application for these concessions", said Rose.
After visiting MAS Intimates Thurulie, Marks and Spencer’s’ new and Sri Lanka’s first eco-friendly manufacturing plant at MAS Fabric Park, Thulhiriya Rose said: "This is one the best factories that I ever visited"
"There are others who merely talk, but Sri Lanka is a doer, that’s what makes the difference".
The innovative green plant will manufacture lingerie for M&S, UK’s largest clothing retailer, which operates stores in more than 30 countries.
Describing the factory as a trend-setter, Rose noted: ‘Sri Lanka set standards which others will and should follow".
The launch of the eco-friendly plant is in keeping with Marks and Spencer new drive, called "Plan A", towards ethical trading and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
The five-year scheme will see M&S become carbon neutral, stop sending waste to landfill and extend its sustainable sourcing by 2012.
Whilst applauding Marks and Spencer’s eco-friendly approach to business, political observers questioned Rose’s wisdom on supporting Sri Lanka, a country accused of grave human rights abuses by international rights groups.
According to Sri Lankan daily, The Island, delighted by the unexpected boost to Sri Lanka’s GSP+ cause, Ministers Peiris and Amunugama who visited the factory with Rose congratulated him for the inspiring speech.
Speaking at the event, Amunugama emphasized the importance Sri Lanka attaches to the GSP+ saying this scheme sustains the country’s 7% growth.
"The GSP+ is not a give away, but a hard earned reward for managing our apparel industry exceedingly well", The Island quoted noted.
"We rightly deserve these concessions".
