Sirio named second runners-up at Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards 2019

Felix Fernando, CEO/Director (third from right) receiving the overall second runners-up award in less than LKR15bn category

Sirio Ltd, a leading manufacturer of lingerie and swimwear to the European market operating under the flagship of Italy-based Calzedonia S.p.A, emerged victorious this time around at the recently held Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards 2019.

The company was named winner in the ‘Financial Performance’ category for the third consecutive year, and went onto win award for its ‘Consistent Commitment and Continuous Improvement - Financial Performance’, in addition to being awarded the overall second runners-up in ‘Less than LKR15bn category’.

We are incredibly proud to be recognized at this year’s Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards for our continuous efforts in thriving towards excellence and sustainable practices. We share this immense success with our highly productive and dedicated employees, and look forward to strive for similar achievements going forward,’ commented Roshan Panawala, Financial Controller- Sirio Ltd.

Organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), the annual event was held on the 28th of November at Cinnamon Grand, Colombo. Over the years, it has evolved to be a prestigious recognition that encourages and fosters best practices among companies. 

Sirio team with the three awards

The company’s sustainability pillar is a strategic and integral part of its culture, placing importance on the growth and wellbeing of its 2,250 employees and pursuing numerous social responsibility initiatives. Organizing annual events to strengthen the bond, arranging training and development programs to enhance capabilities, free meals, transport and medical facilities are a few things that the company caters to their strong workforce.

The signature annual event ‘Senehasarali’ involves visiting children’s and elders’ homes gifting many essentials. Educational seminars for O/L students, annual medical camps, children’s day celebrations amongst many others are a few other mentions. The company also initiated a tree planting program this year together with schools, temples and churches in the area. 

Sirio Ltd very recently also clinched a Merit Award in the ‘Apparel’ sector at the 23rd Presidential Export Awards. It contributes over USD 55 Mn to Sri Lanka’s export revenue. 

Its parent company is Calzedonia Finanziaria which was incorporated in Luxembourg and its main customer is Calzedonia in Italy. Other locally associated companies include Omega Line Ltd, Alpha Apparels Ltd, Benji Ltd, and Vavuniya Apparels. The entire workforce exceeds 13,000 employees overall. 

Liran Fernando, Staff Officer- Planning (third from left) with the award for financial performance

Calzedonia S.p.A manufactures and specializes in women’s undergarments, stockings, nightdresses, socks and swimwear. It has over 4,600 retail sales outlets in over 50 countries across Europe, Russia, Middle East, Asia and America and sells its products labelled with various brands such as Intimissimi, Calzedonia, Tezenis and Falconeri.