Fashion Bug, one of Sri Lanka’s leading retail clothing chain with over 16 outlets island-wide recently awarded scholarships to young talented students who were among the winners of this year’s Roo Siththam, an all-island inter-school annual art competition organized by the company for the 5th consecutive year.
These scholarships, an initiative of Fashion Bug’s signature CSR program Sisu Dirimaga foundation, were given to students based on their financial circumstances, allowing them to continue their education with no distress. Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam presented the scholarships whilst Shabier Subian- Director and Dr. S.H.M Faraaz - Deputy GM and S.M Faham- Assistant Manager Marketing represented Fashion Bug.

Kavishka Dewmini Samarathunga, student of Ratnapura Sumana Balika Vidyalaya and Kawshi Senuri, student of Kegalle Convent were the recipients of the scholarships, and Fashion Bug is ambitious to extend this opportunity to many students throughout the island.

‘Education is a top priority for every student. Unfortunately most of them have limited or no access due to various reasons primarily financial difficulties faced by their family. We want to assure that they aren’t left alone. This initiative will give them the opportunity to realize and live their dreams with no distractions, and together contribute for the betterment of society,’ said Shabier Subian, Director of Fashion Bug and Founder of the Sisu Dirimaga programme.

Held on World Children’s Day, this year’s Roo Siththam competition drew over 50,000 entries representing over 220 schools and over 450 students belonging to three age categories among them were recognized for their artistic enthusiasm. 

Sisu Dirimaga, an award winning CSR program by Fashion Bug, has successfully benefitted 20 schools and over 7000 students as of today, and continues all the way till it achieves its goal of spreading amongst 120 schools and over 100,000 students across the country. 

‘We are also proud to introduce the first ever peer counselling program to school children having recently completed in Kandy district selecting 100 GCE A/L students from 10 major schools in Kandy. And this will continue in all districts in the year 2016 in collaboration with the Ministry of Education,’ said DGM Dr S. H. M Faraaz.

Fashion Bug commenced its operations since 1994 as a partnership business with 4 partners and a staff population of just 15, and today it possesses over 16 stores throughout the country with a workforce of over 1250 employees, and stands among the leading clothing stores in Sri Lanka catering with the fashion motto of ‘Changing lifestyles’.