Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Personal Information
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic
Akila Wijesinghe

Akila Wijesinghe

Asst:Manager Compliance & Sustainability
Maradankadawala,7

Summary

With over 9 years of comprehensive experience in Compliance and Sustainability, I have successfully managed and executed a wide range of social and ethical compliance audits across the garment industry.

  • Expertise in handling 3rd party Social and Security Compliance Audits including SMETA, WRAP, SLCP, BSCI, HIGG-FSLM, SCAN, GSV, and C-TPAT .
  • Proficient in managing 3rd party Environmental and Sustainability Audits such as HIGG-FEM, GOTS, OCS, GRS, and OEKO-TEX 100 .
  • Experienced in conducting Buyers' Code of Conduct (COC) Audits for prominent brands including Levi's, Primark, Tommy Hilfiger, Amazon, Gerry Weber, Tesco, Walmart (Green Label), AEO (American Eagle Outfitters), Nutmeg, Lidl, Superdry, Nayomi's, Woolworth, Dunnes, Carter's, Next, Sainsbury, The Children's Place, Hudson's Bay Co, George, Gerson & Gerson, Jordache, Columbia Sportswear, Victoria's Secret, and Marks & Spencer .
  • Skilled in overseeing Buyers' Product Safety Audits for clients such as Levi's, Amazon, The Children's Place, and Dunnes .

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages

Work History

Asst: Manager Group Compliance & Sustainability

Norwood Fashions (Pvt) Ltd
Wattala, Gampaha District
12.2024 - Current

Key Responsibilities:

Group-Level Compliance Oversight(2 own factory +3 sub:

  • Lead and coordinate compliance activities across multiple factories within the group, ensuring adherence to local labor laws , international standards , and buyer Codes of Conduct ( BSCI, SEDEX, SLCP, ).
  • Plan and execute Monthly internal audits and factory readiness for external social Audits by buyers and certifying bodies.
  • Develop, implement, and monitor Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) across all units; ensure timely resolution of non-compliances.
  • Provide compliance guidance and training to factory HR, EHS, and compliance Executives to standardize practices across the group.
  • Maintain and update all compliance-related documentation (licenses, permits, audit reports, grievance logs, etc.).
  • Act as a key liaison with buyers, auditors, and external consultants to align with their compliance expectations.

Sustainability Management:

  • Drive group-wide sustainability programs covering environmental impact reduction, waste management, chemical compliance , and green certifications ( GRS, GOTS, ISO 14001, OEKO-TEX, ZDHC ).
  • Monitor and report environmental KPIs (energy, water, waste, GHG emissions) through buyer platforms like Higg FEM, FSLM,
  • Promote sustainable production and sourcing practices in alignment with buyer goals and SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).
  • Facilitate awareness programs and training for factory teams on climate change, circularity, and worker well-being .
  • Prepare sustainability dashboards, compliance scorecards, and periodic ESG performance reports for senior management and brand partners.

Key Achievements:

  • Successfully led compliance alignment across 2 own+3 sub factories , resulting in zero major findings in buyer audits (WRAP, BSCI, SEDEX, Higg FSLM,SCAN,).
  • Achieved GOTS,OCS and GRS certifications across all group factories within 05 months.
  • Plan & On Progress to Reduced group-wide energy consumption by 15% and water usage by 20% through sustainable practices and engineering improvements.
  • Developed a centralized digital CAP monitoring system , reducing audit response time by 50% and improving visibility for buyers.
  • Coordinated submission of Higg FEM 4.0 with improved scores year-over-year.
  • Led a group-wide Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) program, aligning chemical usage with MRSL compliance across all units.
  • Conducted ESH, Compliance and Environmental training for over 1,400+ employees , enhancing awareness and brand audit scores.

Asst :Manager Cluster Compliance & Sustainability

Vogue Tex (Pvt) Ltd - Sri Lanka (Northern Cluster)
Anuradhapura, North Central Province
08.2022 - 11.2024

Key Responsibilities: Key Achievements:

Compliance (Cluster's-Factory Oversight):

· Supervise compliance operations across multiple factory units, ensuring full adherence to local labor laws , buyer Codes of Conduct , and international standards ( BSCI, WRAP, SEDEX, SLCP, ).

· Plan and lead internal audits and prepare sites for third-party social, Product safety, and environmental audits .

· Standardize and implement compliance documentation systems across all cluster factories.

· Guide and review Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) and ensure timely closure of audit findings.

· Conduct compliance risk assessments and support management in decision-making across sites.

· Train and mentor compliance officers and factory HR teams on evolving legal and buyer requirements.

Sustainability (Cluster-Level Initiatives):

· Lead the execution of cluster-wide sustainability programs covering resource efficiency (water, energy), waste management, chemical control , and carbon footprint reduction .

· Monitor environmental performance and submit data to buyers through platforms like Higg Index (FEM, FSLM), Reporting , etc.

· Facilitate certifications ( GRS, GOTS, OCS, OEKO-TEX 100 ), coordinating with external consultants and internal teams.

· Promote factory-wide awareness on sustainability goals through trainings, visual communication, and stakeholder engagement.

· Develop SOPs and action plans aligned with buyer sustainability frameworks (Primark, Levi's standards).

· Led a cluster of 3+ factories to achieve 100% success in BSCI, WRAP, and SEDEX audits with minimal or zero non-compliances.

· Achieved 10% reduction in energy use and 12% reduction in water consumption across cluster units within one fiscal year.

· Spearheaded successful implementation of GRS,GOTS and OCS across multiple sites.

· Reduced audit non-conformance turnaround time by 40% through an integrated CAP tracking and reporting system.

· Designed and rolled out a cluster-wide Environmental Management System (EMS) that improved data transparency and buyer satisfaction.

Trained over 2,500+ employees and managers on ESH compliance, resulting in improved workforce awareness and buyer ratings.

Compliance & Sustainability Executive

Lanka Garments Manufacturing (Pvt) Ltd
Bibile
04.2020 - 07.2022

Key Responsibilities:

Compliance:

  • Ensure full compliance with local labor laws, international standards, and buyer Codes of Conduct ( BSCI, WRAP, SEDEX, Higg Index,C-TPAT,SCAN,GSV, ).
  • Lead internal audits and facilitate external social and technical audits from buyers and certification bodies.
  • Maintain updated documentation for licenses, audit reports, fire safety, worker welfare, and Corrective Action Plans (CAPs).
  • Monitor working hours, wage compliance, grievance handling, and occupational health & safety (OHS) policies.
  • Coordinate compliance trainings on anti-harassment, labor rights, workplace safety, and ethical practices.

Sustainability:

  • Implement and track sustainability initiatives including waste management, water/energy reduction, chemical handling , and environmental certifications (GRS, OEKO-TEX 100 ,OCS,GOTS ) .
  • Support environmental audits and sustainability assessments by third parties ( Higg FEM,).
  • Prepare sustainability reports and data for buyer submissions and factory management.
  • Promote awareness among workers and staff on environmental and social sustainability goals.
  • Liaise with suppliers and procurement to ensure sustainable material sourcing where applicable.

Key Achievements:

  • Successfully passed Social and Sustainability audits with high ratings and no major findings .
  • Reduced water and energy consumption by 12% year-over-year through efficiency initiatives.
  • Developed and implemented a waste segregation and recycling program , diverting 70% of waste from landfills.
  • Coordinated the achievement of GRS/GOTS/OCS certification for sustainable material handling and traceability.
  • Created a compliance and sustainability dashboard for real-time tracking of KPIs and audit readiness.
  • Led a training program that educated over 1000+ workers and supervisors on ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) awareness.

HR & Compliance Executive

Daya Apparel Export (Pvt) Ltd
01.2018 - 05.2020

Key Responsibilities: Key Achievements:

  • Ensure factory operations comply with national labor laws, buyer Codes of Conduct, and international compliance standards ( BSCI, WRAP, SEDEX, SLCP,SCAN,GSV and buyers Audit ).
  • Conduct regular internal compliance audits and prepare for external third-party audits.
  • Maintain all compliance-related documentation including licenses, permits, audit reports, and CAP (Corrective Action Plan) tracking.
  • Monitor workplace health & safety (HSE), working hours, wage structures, and employee welfare practices.
  • Coordinate training programs on fire safety, anti-harassment, labor rights, and environmental policies .
  • Collaborate with HR, production, admin, and maintenance teams to ensure full factory compliance.
  • Communicate directly with buyers, auditors, and consultants to address non-compliances and improvement plans.
  • Assist in grievance handling, disciplinary measures, and support ethical recruitment practices.
  • Achieved zero major non-compliance in SEDEX and BSCI/SLCP/WRAP/C-TPAT/SCAN/GSV/ audits across consecutive years.
  • Played a key role in implementing fire safety upgrades and securing factory fire safety certification.
  • Developed a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) tracker , reducing follow-up delays by 50% .
  • Successfully led internal audit procedures, reducing external audit preparation time by 30% .
  • Conducted awareness training for over 1500+ workers , improving compliance knowledge and safety behavior.

Trainee HR & Compliance Assistant

Hands International Intimates (Pvt) Ltd
03.2015 - 12.2017
  • Monitored daily factory operations to ensure compliance with local labor laws, buyer's Code of Conduct, and social compliance standards (e.g. BSCI, SEDEX, WRAP).
  • Supported in conducting internal audits and documentation for external compliance audits.
  • Maintained records for fire drills, health & safety inspections, and environmental compliance.
  • Coordinated with different departments to ensure the workplace met all health, safety, and labor regulations.
  • Assisted in preparation of compliance reports and corrective action plans (CAPs).
  • Organized awareness sessions on anti-harassment, fire safety, and labor rights.
  • Helped track training attendance and feedback records.
  • Contributed to achieving 100% compliance score during BSCI/WRAP/SMETA/SLCP audit with zero major non-compliances.

Education

National Institute Of Occupational Health & Safety
Colombo, Sri Lanka
04.2001 - 2024.05

Industrial Relations Labor Law

National Institute of Labor Studies (NILS)
Colombo, Sri Lanka
05.2024 - Current

Environmental & Sustainability Management

CSBM - Campus
Colombo, Sri Lanka
05.2024 - Current

Bachelor in Human Resource Management -

IMBS Green Campus
Kurunegala, Sri Lanka
05.2023 - 2023.09

Charted Institute of Personal Management
Kandy, Sri Lanka
04.2001 -

Skills

Personal Information

  • Date of Birth: 12/07/95
  • Nationality: Sri Lankan
  • Civil Status : Engaged
  • Native Speaking : Sinhala

Additional Information

Mr.Suranga Thilakarathne

(Group HR & Compliance Manager),

Norwood Fashions (Pvt) Ltd

suranga.t@norwoodfashions.com

+94766557356


Mr.Kavindu Kasun Karunathilaka

Ethical Trade Country Manager Srilanka

GSCS international (Pvt) Ltd

kavindu@gscsintl.com

+94774822779

Timeline

Asst: Manager Group Compliance & Sustainability

Norwood Fashions (Pvt) Ltd
12.2024 - Current

Industrial Relations Labor Law

National Institute of Labor Studies (NILS)
05.2024 - Current

Environmental & Sustainability Management

CSBM - Campus
05.2024 - Current

Bachelor in Human Resource Management -

IMBS Green Campus
05.2023 - 2023.09

Asst :Manager Cluster Compliance & Sustainability

Vogue Tex (Pvt) Ltd - Sri Lanka (Northern Cluster)
08.2022 - 11.2024

Compliance & Sustainability Executive

Lanka Garments Manufacturing (Pvt) Ltd
04.2020 - 07.2022

HR & Compliance Executive

Daya Apparel Export (Pvt) Ltd
01.2018 - 05.2020

Trainee HR & Compliance Assistant

Hands International Intimates (Pvt) Ltd
03.2015 - 12.2017

National Institute Of Occupational Health & Safety
04.2001 - 2024.05

Charted Institute of Personal Management
04.2001 -
Akila WijesingheAsst:Manager Compliance & Sustainability