Ceylinco Life donates nebulisers to 20 rural hospitals

Thousands of people suffering from respiratory diseases in some of Sri Lanka's most remote areas will breathe easier thanks to the donation of nebulisers to 20 rural hospitals by Ceylinco Life, the country's leading life insurer.

Hospitals at Seruwila in Kantalai, Mavadivembu in Batticaloa, Nochchiyagama, Meegahakivula in Badulla, Eselampaththu in Trincomalee and Padalangala in Embilipitiya were among the recipients of these instruments, which are used to administer medication in the form of liquid mist to the airways of patients suffering from asthma, cystic fibrosis and other respiratory diseases.

A unique aspect of this corporate social responsibility initiative by Ceylinco Life was that the donation was funded partly from the proceeds raised through the sale of child art produced for the company's annual 'Ran Daru' art competition and exhibition. Ceylinco life made a matching contribution for every drawing sold, and committed the proceeds to a fund for the purchase of nebulisers for needy hospitals.

"The concept of combining a community interaction like the islandwide art competition with a worthy cause has worked well and shows great potential for the future," said Ceylinco Life's Chief Executive Director, R. Renganathan. "The Ran Daru art completion is already one of the most successful events of its kind with 150,000 entries this year, and this, and project creates awareness among children about the importance of helping the needy."

Intended to stimulate and support the development of artistic expression among the youth of the country, the Ran Daru Art Competition and Exhibition are organised annually under the banner of Ceylinco Life's 'Ran Daru' Child Protection Policy.

Nebulisers are essential equipment in the treatment of respiratory diseases, particularly in the case of sever attacks. They pump oxygen through liquid medicine to turn it into a vapour, which is inhaled by the patient. Many rural hospitals are in need of nebulisers, and Ceylinco Life's project has made a significant difference to people in very remote areas, Renganathan added.