Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC), ranked within top ten companies in commercial standing continues to attract attention. Particularly because its focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its definable people base propelled its reputation to its rank in corporate positioning.

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recognized its focus on CSR placing it within top ten corporate citizens in Sri Lanka.

The CSR report of the company reported active association at national level covering disaster relief, irrigation, rural village development, housing, and environmental conservation. Also included of recent origin poverty alleviation. The report said CTCs projects fall within the areas empowerment and sustainable development.

The report said CTC was incorporated in Sri Lanka 1932, and since then although they were subject to numerous strictures both locally and internationally and the tobacco industry raising ire in most locations, CTC continued to contribute in tangible terms to the economy and continued its major input to the State. Not merely its financial contribution but aligned itself fully in social action in ,most parts of the country.

They have on roll approximately 11,000 farmer families contributing resources in out grower mandates.

The company disperses expertise and material inputs for cultural practices for tobacco culture. Also included are inventories of planting stock.

Ensuring standards for tobacco culture are maintained the Company buys back mature leaf to manufacture their products. It is a win win situation alround and continues to foster social interests for development for each of these out grower families.

The company’s direct work force has been pruned down to 375 persons infusing that degree of professionalism in each to ensure wholly involved participation.

Such management concepts gradually emerged to envelope the entire work force to effect that degree or responsibility fostering ownership for what they do.

Chairman CTC Jayampathy Bandaranayake said consultation with their stake holders allowed sensitivity to ideas and issues. The Company addresses popular concerns and the environment is one such.

Company policy includes environmental protection. That too practically infusing interest in the subject at all levels to ensure its success.

Far flung areas of out-grower habitation too are included in their holistic approach to CSR in general.