28th July 2023 – 3 lives saved and zero deaths this year during Poson at Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Mihintale, Dambulla and the surrounding areas thanks to the AIA Poson Safety Programme. Now in its 28th year, this national safety programme is one of the longest standing CSR projects in the country.
This year, AIA Insurance deployed over 500 lifeguards across 22 reservoirs and lakes, ensuring that pilgrims were safe when they bathe in the bodies of water. AIA also installed warning signboards, hoardings, and banners across the Anuradhapura District, effectively raising awareness about the dangers of drowning and encouraging pilgrims to be cautious. There was also a fully-fledged safety awareness campaign promoted across digital media and not to forget the first of its kind ‘AIA Safe Map’ which showed users the safe and unsafe waters in the area. Notably this first of its kinds Safe Map had over 5000 page visits.
Over the years, this national initiative has saved over 200 lives and become an integral part of AIA’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of Sri Lankan communities in collaboration with Sri Lanka Lifesaving, Sri Lanka Police, Sri Lanka Navy, and the Civil Security Division. The success of the 28th AIA Poson Safety Programme can be attributed to the selfless efforts of numerous volunteers and stakeholders who worked tirelessly to safeguard the lives of others.
Expressing heartfelt gratitude, a pilgrim who was rescued shared, “I am so deeply thankful and indebted to the volunteers who saved my life. We come on pilgrimage to Anuradhapura every year and we have always admired the efforts made by AIA in safeguarding the pilgrims’ lives. This initiative organized to ensure the pilgrims’ safety is meritorious because if not for them, my family would have been destroyed.”
AIA’s Chief Marketing Officer, Sasith Bambaradeniya, expressed his heartfelt joy in witnessing the gathering of thousands of Sri Lankans in Anuradhapura to celebrate Poson. “Keeping to AIA’s brand promise of helping people live healthier, longer, better lives, the company has consistently delivered on its promise of safeguarding lives through our Poson Safety Programme. Looking back on this social responsibility, we humbly take pride in our endeavour to educate the public and save lives as a national commitment.”
As the 28th edition of the AIA Poson Safety Programme concludes, AIA Insurance remains dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of Sri Lankans by fostering a culture of safety, responsibility, and compassion.