Unique CSR initiative on World Children’s Day

All about the history of flying and the procedures of the airport                    

Children inside the airport​

Galle Face Hotel GM Antony Paton                    

Group with the A330 at the BIA                     Kids and organisers on board                    

The national carrier SriLankan Airlines, the foremost heritage hotel in Sri Lanka, the Galle Face Hotel and a pioneer company in travel and tourism, Ebert Silva Holidays joined hands in a unique corporate social responsibility effort to commemorate World Children’s day on 1 October with 33 deserving children of the Sanhinda Children’s Home. 

Undoubtedly, an unforgettable day for the kids started with the arrival at Galle Face Hotel to be greeted by Galle Face Hotel General Manager Anthony Paton and his team with a scrumptious breakfast. Thereafter, they hopped on the gaily decorated Ebert Silva Holidays open deck double decker coach to head to the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport. It was a merry ride with children clapping and singing to the music. 

Sri Lankan Airlines had made arrangements for the children to walk through the airport experiencing all procedures of checking in as passengers on first-hand basis. They also viewed an educative documentary on the history of flight and were made aware of the procedures from entering the airport until boarding a flight. Thereafter, with great excitement the kids boarded the A330 and had the treat of viewing a movie of their choice with the lunch being served on board. 

A rare opportunity to get a view of the cockpit with the information on the pilot’s and crew’s responsibility was given by the staff to the group of excited kids. The conclusion of the visit to the airport was with the presentation of books and stationary by staff of Sri Lankan Airlines after which they headed back to the Galle Face Hotel to be treated to a delicious spread for tea.

A magic show and a dance by the girls and the boys concluded the colourful activities of the evening with more gifts from Galle Face Hotel and Ebert Silva Holidays. 

The organisers were happy of being able to synergise to offer a unique and memorable experience to these children with the conviction that this exposure will give them the confidence and the inspiration with the message that they can aspire to be whatever they want to be with education and commitment. It was indeed an unforgettable experience to the children of Sanhinda Home and to the organisers who joined hands to make a wonderful difference in their lives on World Children’s Day.