FRIDAY 16TH JUNE 2017, COLOMBO: As the Sinhala and Tamil New Year dawned on April 14th, the residents at Meethotamulla, Kolonnawa encountered an unforeseen tragedy with the collapsing of the infamous garbage mound. 32 innocent lives were lost following the calamity which affected 625 persons and damaged 145 houses. During this period, the country stepped forward to provide immediate relief for the victims, while Airtel also raised a fund generously contributed by its employees. With the Advanced Level exam approaching, Airtel doubled its fund as a means of supporting and empowering the students affected in Meethotamulla in the most meaningful manner.
Meethotamulla tragedy not only snatched away shelter and belongings, but also valuable note books and text books of close to 300school children. Advanced Level exam is one of the most pivotal and influential determinants of an individual’s future. As the exam approaches increasing the anxiety of the candidates in the affected area, Airtel employees collaborated and contributed their time, money and energy by providing them with photocopied school notes paired with stationary for the younger students.
Commenting on the humanitarian initiative, Chief Executive Officer of Bharti Airtel Lanka Mr. Jinesh Hegde said, “During a national disaster like this, we at Airtel believe that we are responsible to make a difference. With a perfect understanding about the needs of the affected children, all our employees made a collective effort to not only contribute financial assistance but also to get to the ground level and understand the most crucial need for this community to rebuild their futures. We wanted to reduce their burden of the youth during this difficult time and do something meaningful by empowering them, as they are the future of the country.”