Akila Wijesinghe

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.