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Whistleblowing
Policy

Submit a Report or Raise a Concern

If you have a concern to raise or a report to submit, please use the link below to share the details through our official submission form. We also encourage you to read the Whistleblowing Policy to understand the process and protections in place.

SUBMIT YOUR QUERY
  1. PURPOSE

    The purpose of the policy is to set forth the procedure to report concerns of employees and third parties who are connected to the business operations of MAS Holdings (Pvt) Ltd. and its affiliates (hereinafter referred to as MAS) in order to achieve the following objectives.

    • Encouraging all stakeholders of MAS including employees and third parties who have a relationship with MAS to report any illegal, unethical or inappropriate behaviour, practices, acts or omissions which need immediate attention and which is not limited to violation of MAS Policies and Values (examples of which are detailed in Annexure 1), laws and regulations in Sri Lanka without fear of retaliation.
    • Enhancing the reach of existing complaint escalation mechanisms.
    • Reiterating MAS Polices and Values for employees & third parties who have a relationship with MAS.
  2. SCOPE

    The policy applies to all stakeholders of MAS including Employees, Advisors, Customers, Investors, any other Third Parties as defined below, while executing duties for, or engaging with MAS within and outside its company premises. The policy supplements legal protections and does not override whistleblower rights under any applicable law.

  3. UNDERSTANDING WHISTLEBLOWING

    Whistleblowing is a way of reporting fraudulent, illegal, immoral activities, misconduct, malpractices within MAS. A whistleblower typically works inside the company where the wrongdoing is taking place; however, other stakeholders including third parties who are connected to MAS can also report any incident detailed above as whistleblowers.

  4. RAISING CONCERNS

    Any person who becomes aware of any incident(s) of illegal, unfair, unethical and / or inappropriate behaviour, practice(s), act(s) or omission (s) of any nature, which could adversely affect MAS its employees, or its stakeholders in any manner, should report such matter immediately to the personnel / party as set out in section 5. Below are some examples of violations that may be reported under this Policy; this list is not exhaustive:

      • Conflict of interest
      • Giving & receiving gifts
      • Fraudulent activities including theft, bribery, corruption, financial irregularities
      • Violation of MAS Intellectual property rights
      • Disclosure of MAS Confidential information
      • Violation of Health and safety standards
      • Any form of bullying or harassment
      • Sexual Harassment
      • Discrimination
      • Violation of MAS Values & behavioural pillars or any part of the MAS Code of Conduct
      • Violation of any regulatory or legal provision
  5. REPORTING NON-COMPLIANCE
      1. 5.1 Following reporting avenues are available for the applicable parties.
    Category Reporting Avenue
    Employees
    Advisors
    Speak to your SBU, Divisional or Group Code Officer or HR Representative or Lodge a complaint via the DNA Helpdesk [ www.themasdnahelpdesk.ethicspoint.com ] or the DNA Hotline.


    Note – MAS DNA Hotline and MAS DNA Helpdesk is managed by globally recognized third parties to ensure confidentiality.

    Third Parties Email:
    whistleblower@masholdings.com

    Note – All information received will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
    The details of the person reporting, including their identity and any related information,
    will not be disclosed to any unauthorized party. Information provided will be used solely
    for the purpose of investigation and resolution, and will only be shared with relevant
    personnel on a strict need-to-know basis.
    We assure the protection, privacy, and safety of all individuals who come forward in good faith.

    Letters:

    Suren Fernando (Chief Executive Officer)
    No.199,
    Kaduwela Road,
    Battaramulla
    Dinali Peiris (Director – Group Human Resources)
    No.199, Kaduwela Road,
    Battaramulla
    Surath Chandrasena (Director – Finance)
    No.199, Kaduwela Road,
    Battaramulla

    1. 5.2 Complaints will not be dismissed or downplayed under any circumstance and a reasonable hearing shall be given to all complaints.
    2. 5.3 Once a complaint is raised, a preliminary investigation will be carried out by the HR Team of the relevant company or SBU, or the Group COE for DNA, depending on confidentiality requirements.
    3. 5.4 There will be witness interviews carried out, expert advice obtained, audits and fact finding conducted by a preliminary investigation team comprising HR personnel and identified personnel from departments where expertise is required.
    4. 5.5 Based on the outcomes of the preliminary investigation and subsequent findings, where necessary, a disciplinary inquiry will be conducted by an independent external party. Please refer Annexure 2 for the MAS Investigation Process.
    5. 5.6 The accountable parties will maintain the confidentiality of all parties involved in the recording and investigation of the complaint, unless disclosure is required by law.
    6. 5.7 Retaliation against an individual for lodging/ attempting to lodge a complaint, supporting a victim, or participating in investigations amounts to non-compliance of the policy and strict action will be taken against any violators.
    7. 5.8 Complainants may share their contact details in order to assist with and have a meaningful investigation or remain anonymous. Please note that anonymous complaints are harder to investigate unless the information shared is detailed and comprehensive.
    8. 5.9 Information to be provided by the Whistleblower: A report can only be thoroughly investigated if it contains sufficient information and there is a reasonable possibility of obtaining more details and coming to a proper resolution. When a whistleblower files a report (in person, by email, by online submission, by letter or by phone), it is encouraged to provide as much information as they have to enable MAS to assess and investigate the concern, including details such as:
      • The background, history, and reason for the concern
      • Names, dates, places, times, and other relevant information
      • Any documents that may support the claim
    9. 5.10 The whistleblower should act in good faith and shall not report unfounded or false allegations with malicious intent and bad faith. Such reports amount to non-compliance of the policy and strict action will be taken against any violators.
  6. AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY
    Party Responsible Actions
    MAS Apparel Board Approval and sign-off
    Director – Group Human Resources Ownership and authority to make amendments
    Preliminary Investigation Team Responsibility will be with relevant parties as articulated in fact finding RACI of MAS
    HR Fraternity Ensure to regularly communicate and raise awareness within the employees, advisors and third parties on the policy by utilizing all resources
    Employees
    Advisors
    External Suppliers and Customers
    Liaise with Group HR and provide regular feedback on the policy and process via whistleblower@masholdings.com
  7. DEFINITIONS
    Advisors External consultants, non-executive directors, and advisory board members.
    Customers All MAS customers and their agents.
    Employees Permanent employees (full-time, part-time and casual) and nonpermanent employees (E.g.: on probation, consultants, interns and trainees) engaged with MAS under contractual terms or letters of engagement.
    MAS MAS Holdings (Private) Limited its subsidiaries and Joint Venture Companies and their affiliates.
    Suppliers All suppliers, direct and indirect service providers and their agents MAS deals with.
    Third parties Customers, suppliers, strategic partners, joint venture partners, all service providers, media houses, sub- contractors, agents, visitors, job applicants who/which MAS deals with.
  8. Annexure 1
    1. Summary of the MAS Equal Opportunity & Anti-Harassment Policy

      This policy affirms MAS’ commitment to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. It ensures that all employees and job applicants receive fair and equitable treatment regardless of race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. The policy describes the nature of harassment as physical, verbal, visual & sexual harassment & describes types of sexual harassment including Quid Pro Quo. The policy also outlines procedures for reporting and addressing any incidents of harassment or discrimination, including bystander interventions, promoting a culture of respect and inclusion.

    2. Summary of Conflict-of-Interest Policy

      This policy provides guidelines to help employees recognize, disclose, and manage any potential conflicts between their personal interests and the interests of the company. It aims to maintain integrity and trust in all business dealings by ensuring that decisions are made objectively and without undue influence. The policy includes examples of potential conflicts and steps for reporting and resolving such issues, fostering transparency and accountability. The policy provides a Standard Disclosure Form that shall be used to follow the three-step process of disclose, consent & protocol.

    3. Summary of Gift Policy

      This policy sets forth the rules and guidelines for accepting and giving gifts to avoid any appearance of impropriety or undue influence in business decisions. It defines what constitutes an acceptable gift and what might be considered inappropriate, ensuring that all employees act in the best interests of the company. The value limit of any gift/entertainment given shall be less than or equal to USD 50 and all gifts shall be recorded in the Gift & Entertainment Registry. The policy prohibits employees from accepting any gifts above 50 USD, any cash or cash equivalents.

    4. Summary of Confidentiality Policy

      This policy emphasizes the importance of protecting sensitive company information. It provides guidelines on how to handle, share, and store confidential information to prevent unauthorized access and disclosures. The policy covers various types of confidential information, including intellectual property, business strategies, and personal employee data, and sets out the obligations of employees to safeguard this information.

    5. Summary of Intellectual Property Policy

      This policy establishes the company’s rights and responsibilities regarding the creation, use, and protection of intellectual property (IP). It includes guidelines on the ownership of IP created by employees, the use of third-party IP, and the procedures for reporting and addressing IP infringements. The policy aims to encourage innovation while ensuring that IP is managed in a way that protects the company’s interests and complies with legal requirements.

    6. MAS Values

      This policy establishes the company’s rights and responsibilities regarding the creation, use, and protection of intellectual property (IP). It includes guidelines on the ownership of IP created by employees, the use of third-party IP, and the procedures for reporting and addressing IP infringements. The policy aims to encourage innovation while ensuring that IP is managed in a way that protects the company’s interests and complies with legal requirements.

      • Honesty & integrity
      • Trust & mutual respect
      • Freedom with accountability
      • Humility
      • Passion for excellence
      • Entrepreneurial & Innovative
      • Giving back
    7. MAS Behavioural pillars

      • Respecting People
      • Protecting Assets
      • Valuing Customers
      • Sustaining Relationships
      • Nurturing Communities
      • Competing Ethically
      • Complying with the Law
    8. Occupational Fraud

      Occupational fraud refers to fraudulent activities committed by employees, management, or third parties against an organization. It occurs when individuals misuse their position or employment for personal gain, often involving inappropriate use of the organization’s property, assets, or resources. It typically falls into three categories: corruption (e.g., commissions and kickbacks), asset misappropriation, and financial fraud (e.g., financial misstatements). If you know of or reasonably suspect someone involved in occupational fraud, we encourage you to report it through the established channels mentioned above.

  9. Annexure 2
    Annexure 2