Airtel repairs long term academic footing for youth affected by Meethotamulla tragedy

Saturday, 17 June 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

As the Sinhala and Tamil New Year dawned on 14 April, the residents at Meethotamulla, Kolonnawa encountered an unforeseen tragedy with the collapsing of the infamous garbage mound. Thirty-two innocent lives were lost following the calamity which affected 625 persons and damaged 145 houses.

During this period, the country stepped forward to provide immediate relief for the victims, while Airtel also raised a fund generously contributed to by its employees. With the Advanced Level exam approaching, Airtel doubled its fund as a means of supporting and empowering the students affected in Meethotamulla in the most meaningful manner.

The Meethotamulla tragedy not only snatched away shelter and belongings, but also valuable notebooks and textbooks of close to 300 school children. The Advanced Level exam is one of the most pivotal and influential determinants of an individual’s future. As the exam approaches, increasing the anxiety of the candidates in the affected area, Airtel employees collaborated and contributed their time, money and energy by providing them with photocopied school notes paired with stationery for the younger students.

Commenting on the humanitarian initiative, Bharti Airtel Lanka CEO Jinesh Hegde said: “During a national disaster like this, we at Airtel believe that we are responsible to make a difference. With a perfect understanding about the needs of the affected children, all our employees made a collective effort to not only contribute financial assistance but also to get to the ground level and understand the most crucial need for this community to rebuild their futures. We wanted to reduce the burden on the youth during this difficult time and do something meaningful by empowering them, as they are the future of the country.”