Sampath Bank helps Poonewa residents gain access to clean drinking water

Ceremonial opening of water purification unit (RO Plant); (from left): Sampath Bank AGM Recoveries Upali Dharmasiri, Water Supply and Drainage Board Chief Engineer H.A. Jayasiri and Sampath Bank DGM Marketing & Business Development Tharaka Ranwala

Sampath Bank, the responsible banker of the nation, initiated yet another CSR initiative with the installation of a water purification unit (RO Plant) in Poonewa, Medawachchiya. As the most recent initiative under the ‘Hope for a Life’ project, designed to improve the health infrastructure facilities of the nation, the purpose of installing the RO Plant is to provide clean drinking water to the villagers of Poonewa. The water purification unit was installed in an effort to help combat Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), which has become a widespread health problem mainly in the North Central province. The project was initiated and driven by Sampath Bank in collaboration with the Water Supply and Drainage Board. 

Furthermore, the bank took extra 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 uplift their medical wellbeing. 

Data received from the Anuradhapura Hospital identifies Medawachchiya, Padaviya, Kebethigollewa and Rambewa DS Divisions to have the highest density of CKD patients, with Medawachchiya having a considerably concerning 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, located in the Anuradhapura district, is among the areas worst affected by CKD – hence the urgency and relevance of this CSR project. An official opening and handing over ceremony was conducted in Poonewa under the auspices of dignitaries from Sampath Bank, Water Supply and Drainage Board officials, and the villagers.

Sampath Bank DGM – Marketing and Business Development Tharaka Ranwala noted the urgent need for clean drinking water among the villagers and highlighted the bank’s commitment to give back to society. “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, in order to lead healthy lives. The lack of clean water facilities was a dire problem for the people of this area. We stepped in to provide relief for the villagers, once it was recognised as a growing health hazard for the villagers of Poonewa. 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,” said Ranwala.

Water Supply and Drainage Board Chief Engineer H.A. Jayasiri commenting on the rise of CKD and the significance of Sampath Bank’s partnership stated, “We have found that about 12%-16% of the Medawachchiya area have been affected by CKD which can be attributed to a variety of reasons ranging from the use of carbonic fertiliser for crops, drinking alcohol, poisonous toxins released from several projects as well as chemicals in water. We hope to provide purified water by executing 400 projects in CKD affected areas and installing this kind of RO plants, rain water harvesting systems, bowser supplies and pipe line extensions. We are grateful towards Sampath Bank for being a major partner of this project with the motive to enrich people’s lives.”

As a national bank, Sampath Bank has made CSR a key part of its business ethics with CSR policies revolving around social projects attuned towards society’s needs. Over the years, the bank has spearheaded several projects – supporting entrepreneurs, educational developments, health sector developments and tank restorations. Sampath Bank has been lauded for its CSR initiatives at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce’s Best Corporate Citizens Awards 2014, SLIM Brand Excellence Awards 2014, Asia Responsible Business Excellence Awards 2014 in Singapore and Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards 2015 in China.

As such, Sampath Bank intends to pursue more CSR initiatives today, tomorrow and in the future, in order to strengthen its identity of being a Sri Lankan bank which truly presents the future to the nation.