GSK goes for novel program

by Rohana Jayalal

Panadol, the flagship brand of SmithKline Beecham (Pvt)Ltd, (GSK) consumer health care recently launched Panadol Sahanaabhimani to mark International Day of Happiness which fell on March 20.

The aim of the program is to encourage Sri Lankans to build a happier nation and to mobilise the country towards the unified effort.

The initiative is open to all Sri Lankans and consists of three key activities, nominating people who have spread happiness in difficult situations, take the 'defeat pain and be happy' pledge and participate in motivational workshops to remain happy despite odds.

Prof. K. Karunathilake of the Department of Sociology, University of Kelaniya said that good health is the utmost happiness a person can enjoy.

The World Happiness Report 2013 classified Sri Lanka as 137th country among 156 countries.

Managing Director, GSK, Sunil Mehra, said that Panadol Sahanabhimani is inspired by the company's vision to 'Do More, Feel Better to Live Longer'.

He said that through this campaign GSK seeks to discover and felicitate extraordinary stories of ordinary people who have defeated pain to be happy and spread happiness among others.

The three-month search for inspiring stories of happy Sri Lankans who have spread happiness to others was launched this month.

A panel of eminent judges comprising key opinion leaders from an array of social spheres will select the 10 most inspiring stories from the nominations received.

The 10 exemplary Sri Lankans will be felicitated at the Panadol Sahanaabhimani Awards.

A security guard at New Monis Bakery, Beruwala, W.V. Sugathapala who was has been picked as the happiest man in the universe, was also rewarded at the launch of Panadol Sahanaabhimani initiative while the Directors of SmithKline Beecham took the pledge to 'defeat pain and be happy'.