'Ransalu Pranama' privilege debit card, exclusively for the benefit of apparel industry employee was launched at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel recently. The official event was graced by Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen, the Minister of Industry and Commerce and Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, the Finance Minister. The event organized by Joint Apparel Associations Forum (JAAF), CH 17 and Commercial Bank, saw a cross section of apparel industry employees from the fraternity receiving their privilege cards as a symbolic gesture.

'Ransalu Pranama' cards were given to over 13,000 Omega Line Group employees and the employees of Sirio Limited, Badalgama, an associate of Omega Line Group were the first to receive their privilege cards.

Omega Line group functioning locally under the flagship of Calzedonia S.p.A in Italy are Omega Line Limited (Sandalankawa), Sirio Limited (Badalgama), Alpha Apparels Limited (Polgahawela), Benji Limited (Bingiriya) and Vavuniya Apparels (Vavuniya). The total workforce in all companies that exceeds 13,000 have received their ‘Ransalu Pranama’ privilege cards.

'Ransalu Pranama' being the first ever privilege debit card for employees in the apparel sector bestows them with many privileges to make their lives easy and offer them with the opportunity to live in the society as respectable citizens. The eligibility criterion to have a 'Ransalu Pranama' privilege card is to maintain an account in the Commercial Bank.

Using the 'Ransalu Pranama' card, apparel industry employees can purchase goods and services from; super markets, mobile phone companies, apparel shops, insurance companies, private hospitals, beauty salons, entities that conduct various courses, tourist hotels, telecommunication companies, building material companies, computer technology companies, shoe vendors and restaurants at 5 percent to 25 percent discounts.

Some of the leading organizations that entertain 'Ransalu Pranama' privilege debit card are; Singer, Abans, Sri Lanka Telecom, Cargills, Ceylinco Insurance, DSI, David Peiris, Glitz, Lanka Hospitals, Hameedia, Heyleys, Nolimit, , Unilever, , Mobitel, and Swarnamahal and many more.

It is also significant that the discounts offered for 'Ransalu Pranama' privilege card holders are active for three years.

Mr. Felix Fernando, CEO, Sirio Ltd, and Omega Line group Director, addressing the gathering said, Omega Line companies functioning locally under the flagship of world famous Calzedonia S.p.A Group of Companies in Italy do not confine their activities merely to company business.

“We go beyond being just business entities to add value to our employees’ lives. Our workers are like one big family and the company nurtures this value. Hence we always strive to make their lives better. We develop their skills constantly and stimulate their aspirations to elevate to the next level in the society.”

The CEO added, “We look at this 'Ransalu Pranama' privilege card as a tool that elevate place in the society of apparel sector employees and a tool that facilitates a hassle free lifestyle with due recognition. Apparel sector employees can now obtain goods and services at healthy discounts and on easy-payment-terms using the 'Ransalu Pranama' card and flourish their lives. Simply the 'Ransalu Pranama' privilege card opens them a door to a whole new world”.

photo caption - Employee of Omega Line received her 'Ransalu Pranama' privilege debit card