Sampath Bank's 'Hope for a Life' project:

Potable water for Poonewa

Sampath Bank installed a water purification unit (RO Plant) in Poonewa, Medawachchiya under the 'Hope for a Life' project, designed to improve health infrastructure facilities of the nation.

The RO Plant will provide clean drinking water to the villagers of Poonewa to help combat Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), which has become a widespread health problem mainly in the North Central Province.

The project was launched by Sampath Bank with the Water Supply and Drainage Board.

The bank took steps to assist the villagers of Poonewa by conducting a medical camp along with regional health services in Anuradhapura to identify patients affected by CKD and improve their medical well-being.

Data received from the Anuradapura Hospital identifies Medawachchiya, Padaviya, Kebethigollewa and Rambewa DS Divisions to have the highest density of CKD patients, with Medawachchiya having a considerably high percentage of CKD patients.

The cause of the disease has been identified as multi-factorial and differs from the traditional form of kidney disease associated with conventional factors. Poonewa, in the Anuradhapura district, is among the areas worst affected by CKD - hence the urgency and relevance of the CSR project.

DGM, Marketing and Business Development, Sampath Bank, Tharaka Ranwala said, "While we have numerous alternatives for vital needs such as food and energy resources there are no alternatives for water. It is important for us to conserve water and also consume clean water, to lead healthy lives."

"The lack of clean water was a big problem for the people of this area. We stepped in to provide relief for the villagers, as it was recognised as a growing health hazard for the villagers of Poonewa," he said.

"We hope this water purification unit will be used in a sustainable manner by the villagers and it will also help to reduce the area's health issues," Ranwala said.