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

The Sirio team with the three awards

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

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

Sirio Ltd, a leading manufacturer of lingerie and swimwear to the European market operating under flagship Italian company Calzedonia S.p.A, emerged victorious 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 on to win an award for its ‘Consistent Commitment and Continuous Improvement - Financial Performance’, in addition to being awarded the overall second runner-up in ‘Less than LKR15bn category’.

“We are incredibly proud to be recognised 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 striving for similar achievements going forward,” commented Sirio Ltd. Financial Controller Roshan Panawala.

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

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. Organising annual events to strengthen the bond, arranging training and development programs to enhance capabilities, free meals, transport and medical facilities are a few of the initiatives that the company implements to cater to its strong workforce.

The signature annual event ‘Senehasarali’ involves visiting children’s and elders’ homes and gifting them many essentials. Educational seminars for O/L students, annual medical camps, children’s day celebrations amongst many others are some of the other projects it has been involved in. 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 of the 23rd Presidential Export Awards. It contributes over $ 55 million to Sri Lanka’s export revenue. 

Its parent company is Calzedonia Finanziaria, which was incorporated in Luxembourg, with its main customer 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. 

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