We are good in bed, so to speak. Celcius Luxury Bedding, which was established in 2007, has grown to become a beloved brand among homes, hotels and hospitals, across Sri Lanka and in the Maldives. Offering a diverse range of comfortable pillows, luxury bed linen and soft towels, Celcius has demonstrated remarkable resilience and robust growth. Poised for exponential growth fuelled by tourism and economic recovery, Celcius reaches every corner of Sri Lanka; leveraging online platforms, exclusive stores and a vast network of resellers to bring quality sleep to all Sri Lankans and each visitor to the island.

Q: Do you think that corporates operating in Sri Lanka are doing enough to earn the respect of their stakeholders – and on what grounds, if so? 

A: Sri Lankan businesses have navigated the challenges of the past five years with commendable resilience and growth. We have prioritised employee wellbeing and avoided layoffs – a stark contrast to many multinational corporations that resorted to such retrenchment to improve their financial statements.

Moreover, Sri Lankan businesses excel in their commitment to avoid child labour, promoting women’s wellbeing and ensuring ethical treatment of workers – surpassing some of their regional counterparts. This dedication highlights the ethical standards and values upheld by Sri Lankan businesses.

Kamal Dole
Managing Director

Q: What does it take to earn and maintain corporate respect today, given the volatile and uncertain business environment?

A: The leadership team of a company should exhibit a robust and resilient mindset, capable of overcoming difficult obstacles. This attitude will permeate throughout the organisation, fostering belief and commitment among employees at all levels.

Additionally, possessing sound strategic planning capabilities enables the organisation to identify opportunities even in challenging circumstances – while agility allows for swift adaptation and utilisation of such openings without compromising business ethics for short-term gains.

Q: Many Sri Lankan corporates are expanding their boundaries overseas… so what does it take for companies to earn respect internationally?  

A: Before venturing overseas, a company must establish an exemplary reputation at home. This involves earning the respect of local customers, employees and other stakeholders including state institutes. A strong brand and clear corporate identity are essential components for international success.

Q: In what ways do technological advancements help or hurt corporates, in the context of establishing and maintaining corporate respect? 

A: Technological advancements, such as digital and social media, offer efficient ways to reach larger and more targeted audiences than traditional methods. AI enhances this capability by leveraging historical behaviour patterns to identify and engage with audiences that are likely to respond positively.

Additionally, these tools enable clear, rapid and more precise communication of messages, ensuring that resources are not wasted. However, too much reliance on these technologies may lead to challenges in maintaining a personal touch and authentic engagement, potentially affecting the respect and trust of the audience.

Q: In your opinion, how important are stakeholder perceptions in the context of corporate respect and admiration – and why?

A: Endorsements from satisfied customers are more valuable than paid advertising. Employee recommendations enhance candidate attraction, ensuring a good organisational fit. Moreover, a company’s reputation with lenders and supply partners facilitates smoother business transactions as these stakeholders highly value the established relationships.

Q: What are the key attributes of your company’s image, in your opinion?

A: Our resilience and agility have been pivotal during the recent crisis. Despite challenging circumstances, we maintained our growth trajectory by innovating new marketing strategies.

In addition, our distribution network now spans over 200 outlets and online channels – while our unwavering focus remains on continuous improvement and development across our products, processes and people.

QUICK-FIRE ROUND

Three vital ingredients that earn corporate respect

Delivering on your promises to all stakeholders
Resilience
Being a responsible corporate citizen

Three global organisations that you respect  

Dilmah Ceylon Tea
MAS Holdings
Amazon

As the dominant player in Sri Lanka’s luxury bed and bath linen market, Celcius has been resilient in overcoming challenges while sustaining impressive growth and earning foreign exchange for the country. These qualities position it for continued success in its pursuit of regional dominance.

Telephone 4858859 | Email inquiry@celciuspl.com  | Website www.celciusbedding.com