Sri Lankan operator takes renewables into retail

Details: Vaughan O'Grady; Category: Energy & Sustainability; 17 February 2026; 6410 views

In an interesting example of an operator taking its sustainability message right into the public marketplace, service provider Hutch Sri Lanka has launched the first in what it promises will be a number of sustainability-led retail outlets.

The operator describes its Signature retail outlets as the first instance in Sri Lanka where sustainability has been holistically integrated into retail spaces, “going beyond symbolic gestures to deliver measurable environmental and social impact”.

The first two outlets opened at Colombo Fort to serve what Hutch calls the epicentre of Sri Lanka’s largest business community, and at the heart of the historic coastal city of Negombo. The operator promise that many more such outlets are on the way.

The newly launched outlets are produced from sustainable material sourcing, powered by renewable wind and solar energy, and initiate a circular economy to the outlets’ production cycle.

Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the circular economy as well; the outlets feature e-waste collection points promoting responsible disposal of retired communication devices. The space serves also as an education centre where visitors can have first-hand experience of sustainability in action with curated illustrations and facts.

The company says it is adopting its parent’s (CK Hutchison Holding) commitment for responsible growth, which is aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs).

Saumitra Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of Hutch explains: “Aligning with the CK Hutchison Group’s sustainability journey, Hutch is redefining retail infrastructure where innovation meets social responsibility. This initiative delivers a unique customer experience while setting a new benchmark in taking services directly to customers as a responsible telecom operator.”