Colombo, July 07, 2021: Unilever Sri Lanka, one of the largest fast-moving consumer goods companies in the country, has donated 32 oxygen concentrators worth Rs.10 million to the Ministry of Health, as part of its on-going efforts to support the government in managing the prevailing pandemic. Through this partnership, the oxygen concentrators will be made available to relevant government hospitals.
The donation was handed over by Unilever Sri Lanka’s Customer Development Director – Aruna Mawilmada, Head of Legal & Company Secretary – Laksara Marapana, and Head of Media & Activation – Channa Tennakoon, to the Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Major General – Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe at the Ministry of Health Auditorium in the presence of the Private Secretary to the Hon. Minister of Health – Kanchana Jayaratne, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Health – Dr. Sunil de Alwis, Director General of Health Services – Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Deputy Director General, Bio Medical Services – Janappriya Karunatilleke, and Provincial Health Director, Sabaragamuwa – Dr. Kapila Kannangara.
Thanking Unilever for their contribution, the Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Major General – Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe said, “We are very grateful to Unilever Sri Lanka for their continued support during the pandemic. This donation comes at a crucial time when every possible form of medical support is needed to care for our people. We thank the company for their generous efforts and look forward to more collaborations with Unilever to provide relief and aid to our nation.”
Commenting on the donation, Hajar Alafifi – Chairperson of Unilever Sri Lanka said, “During these turbulent times, providing quality healthcare services has become the need of the hour. As a company that has ingrained itself into the lives of Sri Lankans for over 83 years, we consider it our duty to support medical efforts aimed at combatting the pandemic.”
Unilever has contributed over Rs. 60 million towards COVID-19 relief efforts since March 2020, with several of its brands at the forefront of public education and safety; Its hygiene brand Lifebuoy has set up 100 Lifebuoy handwashing stations across the island and has been constantly engaging with members of the community to create awareness on hygiene and sanitation. Unilever’s efforts also include donating funds to the COVID-19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund and providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), ventilators, masks and essential Unilever products to Government and related bodies working towards preventing and controlling the pandemic.