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Sri Lankan mothers take part in a handwashing relay to break the Guinness World Record for the most participants in a handwashing relay to mark the Global Handwashing Day
Committed to changing the hygiene behaviour of one billion consumers across Asia, Africa and Latin America, by promoting the benefits of hand washing with soap at key times, Lifebuoy has pledged to reach eight million people in Sri Lanka with the same message.
Each year 1.7 million children around the world fail to reach their fifth birthday due to diseases such as diarrhoea and pneumonia, which are the leading causes of deaths among children under five. Many of these deaths are easily preventable through the simple act of hand washing with soap.
Brand Ambassador for Lifebuoy Kumar Sangakkara was present at the event, encouraging the mothers vying for the Guinness World Record to mark Global Handwashing Day
Recognising the vital role mothers play in inculcating better hygiene habits in their children, and amongst communities at large, Lifebuoy rallied Sri Lankan mothers to come together to pledge their commitment towards better hygiene, by breaking the Guinness World Record title for the Most participants in a hand washing relay.
Speaking about Lifebuoy’s commitment to inculcate improved hygiene habits in Sri Lanka, Country Marketing Director Siddharth Banerjee said: “At the heart of the Lifebuoy brand is a desire to improve the health and well-being of our consumers. We are proud and privileged to announce our successful Guinness World Record title for the most participants in a hand washing relay. This record is symbolic of Lifebuoy’s longstanding social mission, and of Unilever Sri Lanka’s renewed commitment towards this cause.”
Guinness World Record official handing over the certificate of the new Guinness World Record to Unilever Sri Lanka Channel Communication Manager Channa Tennakoon
“We brought together mothers of the Eladuwa Estate in Donagoda, Mathugama, to successfully break the Guinness World Record title for the most participants in a hand washing relay in a single location, which was formerly held in China. The record attempt took more than five hours, and we were thrilled to have Guinness World Record official adjudicator Jack Brockbank with us to approve this record achievement,” said Salika Alahakoon, Brand Manager – Lifebuoy.
Research shows that hand washing with soap at critical times – including before eating or preparing food and after using the toilet – can reduce the risk of diarrhoeal disease by up to 45%.
