EFC-supported flood relief scheme reflects credible sustainability

Tuesday, 20 December 2016 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) in a bid to reconstruct the heavily damaged homes of the employees of their member corporates in the heavy floods which hit the Western Province early this year collaborated with the International Labour Organisation (ILO). In response to a proposal by the EFC, the ILO came forward to provide financial assistance to 141 selected employees from 22 EFC member corporates who suffered extensive property damage.

At a ceremony held at the EFC premises last week, the cheques were handed over to the representatives from selected companies. The event was also attended by ILO Office – Colombo Officer-in-Charge Alistair Smith and several local ILO representatives.

The beneficiaries were selected by a joint committee comprising EFC and ILO members on the recommendations of their employers, accompanied by Grama Seva Niladhari verification of the respective divisions.

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Speaking on the occasion, Employers’ Federation of Ceylon Director General Kanishka Weerasinghe remarked that the project was aligned with EFC’s mandate for employee welfare. “Despite the fact that some of the employers themselves were affected by the catastrophe, they dedicated their time and effort in reaching out to their employees, which makes this project truly a generous one,” noted the EFC Chief, adding that the endeavour is also a reflection of ‘credible sustainability.’

Weerasinghe also applauded the former ILO Country Director Donglin Li, other ILO representatives and his staff members for their unstinted support in making the project a feasible one. He also noted that transparency and accountability are cornerstones of the EFC which enable projects of this nature.

Alastair Smith asserted that the effort mirrored ‘partnerships in action at multiple levels’, and extended his thanks to all stakeholders- state, private and non-governmental, who pledged their support. “The innovative leadership of the EFC coupled with the leadership of companies should be lauded,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of companies whose employees were granted relief, Hayleys Group of Companies Group Human Resources General Manager Jayendara de Silva observed that the effort was a fine personification of the Lankan willpower in the hour of need. “We are a nation very generous in a national crisis and the EFC-ILO collaboration is a reflection of such reaction,” remarked Silva who also went on to note that the ‘unquestionable integrity’ of the EFC facilitated a transparent process in granting financial relief to those in need.

Thanking the selection committee for a credible job done, and the ILO representatives for their commitment, EFC Industrial Relations Advisor Sonali de Silva remarked that the EFC is proud and humbled to be a partner of a noble cause. “Despite it being a time-bound project with a lot of expectations from the member companies, the outcome was an outstanding one,” she stated.

The representatives from EFC member corporates received cheques on behalf of their beneficiaries from Alastair Smith, EFC Deputy Director General Vajira Ellepola, ILO Senior Program Officer Indra Tudawe and ILO Program Assistant Farzan Abdul Razzak.