AIA’s national safety initiative, Poson Safety Program continues for 27th year

AIA Insurance continued its commitment towards one of Sri Lanka’s longest standing Corporate Social Responsibi l ity ( CSR) projects, the AIA Poson Safety Program for the 27th year recently.

Held across three days, in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Mihintale, the program facilitated 500 lifeguards across 22 reservoirs and lakes to ensure that pilgrims are safe when they bathe in the bodies of water.

With its abundance of lakes and reservoirs in the North Central Province, these reservoirs overflow during Poson, with not just water but with religious devotees from all over the country to bathe in these reservoirs to beat the heat and to cleanse themselves before making the pilgrimage to the “Udamaluwa”. With that in mind, AIA was determined to continue its societal endeavours to conduct the lifesaving program and be there to protect those pilgrims.

AIA Chief Executive Officer Chathuri Munaweera said: “This program has become such a nationally relevant initiative since 1993 and over the years we have saved over 200 lives…someone’s spouse, someone’s child, someone’s parent…a family’s breadwinner…every life saved was so precious. That is why we were committed to carrying out the project this year, despite the current economic challenges, because we want to be there for Sri Lankans when they need us the most, not just in good times but especially during difficult times too.”

Following an unfortunate death in 1992, and being concerned about the safety of pilgrims, AIA pursued a solution to prevent the loss of lives due to drowning during Poson. So, in 1993, AIA together with the Sri Lanka Life Saving Association, the Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lanka Police launched the Poson Safety Program with the intention of putting a stop to the senseless loss of lives by drowning.

AIA facilitated the presence of lifeguards around the lakes and reservoirs but also mark warning signs around the areas on where it is dangerous and safe to bathe. AIA also educated and created awareness on the dangers of drowning through displays, signboards, hoardings, and pennants across the Anuradhapura District to encourage pilgrims to be cautious. AIA also launched a campaign across social media to encourage pilgrims to be careful and alert when bathing in lakes or reservoirs.