Sri Lanka Insurance launches ’Jeewana Shakthi’ for tea plantation sector

From left: M. Rameshwaran MP, Minister of Plantation Industries Ramesh Pathirana, SLIC Chief Executive Officer Chandana L. Aluthgama, SLIC Chairman Ronald C. Perera PC, Plantation Human Development Trust Chairman Barath Arullsamy, Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development Jeevan Thondaman, and Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaman 

• A collaboration with the Plantation Human Development Trust and Ministry of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development

Sri Lanka Insurance, the largest and strongest insurer in the country, introduces ‘SLIC Jeewana Shakthi’, a special Life and Health Insurance cover for the estate and plantation workers of Sri Lanka. 

This special cover was developed in collaboration with the Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT) and the Ministry of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development.

Sri Lanka is known across the world for its tea. Famously known as Ceylon tea. The country’s tea industry, is one of the prominent economic sectors and the estate employees and tea plantation workers are the backbone of this industry. Tea Estate employees encompasses a wide range of roles, from managerial positions to skilled artisans whilst the tea plantation workers engage in physical demanding tasks. At present there are over 150,000 tea estate employees and tea plantation workers. It is the responsibility of the stakeholders involved in this industry to ensure the well-being of this community who plays a pivotal role to sustain the tea industry of Sri Lanka. 

Sri Lanka Insurance, as a responsible insurance solutions provider taps in to new markets with new products to uplift the lifestyles of the people of the country. This stems down from their mandate of providing ‘insurance for all’ Sri Lankans. Understanding the importance of this community and their unique needs SLIC came forward to provide a suitable insurance solution for their well-being. As a result, the State-owned insurer introduced ‘Sri Lanka Insurance Jeewana Shakthi’, a special life and health cover for this unique segment of customers. 

SLIC Jeewana Shakthi is a life cover offered exclusively to the estate employees and plantation workers of the tea industry as a special insurance solution. It is offered as a family cover and it open for the employees between 18-70 years of age and it includes critical illness benefits, hospital cash benefits, life covers, etc. The policy covers the policy holders spouse and children as well. 

Commenting on introducing the Sri Lanka Insurance Jeewana Shakthi insurance cover, Sri Lanka Insurance Chief Executive Officer Chandana L. Aluthgama stated, SLIC continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing innovative and tailor-made insurance solutions that cater to the evolving needs of the people of Sri Lanka by offering unparalleled value and comprehensive protection to its valued customers at an affordable price.

Sri Lanka Insurance Chairman President’s Counsel Ronald C. Perera said, Sri Lanka Insurance as the pioneer insurance provider of the country has always been in the forefront in understanding the pulse of the people and support them in improving their quality of life. The tea industry plays a pivotal role in the country’s economy and as responsible corporate citizens it is every organisation’s responsibility to facilitate such requirements to strengthen the economy of the country. 

Plantation Human Development Trust Chairman Barath Arullsamy commented, “We stand on the threshold of a transformative moment with the introduction of SLIC Jeevana Shakthi, a ground-breaking insurance scheme born from the collaboration between the Plantation Human Development Trust, the Ministry of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development, and Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation. 

“The plantation sector workers, with their dedication and sweat, are the lifeblood of our nation’s plantation industry. SLIC Jeevana Shakthi encapsulates our unwavering commitment to their well-being, providing life and critical illness coverage up to Rs. 300,000, coupled with a daily hospital cash benefit of Rs. 500. This scheme extends not just protection, but a lifeline, especially during times of adversity.”

He further said, “We are immensely grateful to Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation and the Ministry for their visionary partnership in shaping this unique offering, tailored to uplift the lives of the very individuals who cultivate our nation’s prosperity. I extend a heartfelt invitation to all Regional Plantation Companies to join us in fortifying this endeavour. Together with your support towards the SLIC Jeevana Shakthi insurance scheme, we can demonstrate our collective dedication to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and prosperity of the plantation sector workforce and their family, a community whose contributions stand at the core of Sri Lanka’s growth story.”

Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development of Sri Lanka Jeevan Thondaman commented, “Today marks a profound step forward as we unveil SLIC Jeewana Shakthi – an exceptional insurance scheme co-crafted by the Ministry of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development, the Plantation Human Development Trust, and Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation. This initiative stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to the welfare of tea estate workers, underpinned by the distinctiveness of this scheme.

“Tea estate workers form the backbone of our economy, yet their hard work can expose them to unforeseen risks. SLIC Jeewana Shakthi provides up to Rs. 300,000 in life and critical illness coverage, along with Rs. 500 daily hospital cash benefit. It will provide financial security and a safety cushion during times of hardship. With a monthly premium starting at just Rs. 99 for a family of four, it is also the most cost-effective insurance solution available for anyone. 

I would like to thank the Chairman, Board of Directors and the team at Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation for coming forward and creating this unique product together with the Ministry and the PHDT. 

“I take this opportunity to invite Regional Plantation Companies to join us in this endeavour, showcasing their commitment to workers’ protection and well-being. Your support will provide more than financial security to tea estate workers; it will be your gratitude in action Together, let’s ensure a future of security and progress for the true heroes of our tea industry.”