Janashakthi sponsors ‘Around the Pearl’ bike ride for cerebral palsy

Saturday, 26 April 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Janashakthi Insurance sponsored ‘Around the Pearl,’ a 10 day bike ride to raise funds for those diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a common physical disability affecting many children, and is caused by abnormal development of, or damage to, motor control centres of the brain.

From 10 to 20 April, 12 well known business professionals led by Cal Group CEO/MD Ajith Fernando set out from Colombo and traversed the country on a 1,400 kilometre bicycle ride along Sri Lanka’s coast, ending at Colombo’s iconic Independence Square. Supporters followed the cyclists on the website www.aroundthepearl.lk and pledged donations, with the goal of collecting enough to fund 1,000 wheelchairs. “Those suffering from cerebral palsy are in dire need of funds in Sri Lanka – in some cases, parents are prevented even from acquiring a wheelchair, which can greatly improve the mobility of a child diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Many of the children are ostracised due to the stigma associated with having a differently-abled child, with parents keeping their children out of the public eye. Around the Pearl is trying to improve this sad state of affairs, and it is a pleasure to contribute to improving the lives of these unfortunate children,” said General Manager-Sales and Marketing Shehara de Silva. Around the Pearl is an initiative by ‘Wheels for Wheels’. The program was conducted in partnership with the Cerebral Palsy Lanka Foundation (CPLF) and WrooM – a project which focuses on promoting cycling in Sri Lanka, not just as an alternative transport mode but also to increase road safety awareness. “The group of riders consisting of 12 business professionals prepared for the challenges of cycling around the country for months and successfully completed the ride in aid of raising funds for Cerebral Palsy. I personally thank Janashakthi for helping us to achieve our objective of raising funds for 1,000 wheelchairs in order to improve the lives of many Sri Lankan children who are suffering with cerebral palsy. There are so many families in Sri Lanka who have a child with cerebral palsy and a simple wheelchair can really assist them in providing their child with a better quality of life,” said Ajith Fernando.

The cyclists travelled the perimeter of the entire island and their journey took them from the city of Colombo to Galle, Negombo, Mirissa, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Kilinochchi, Jaffna, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura and onwards.

Across the year Janashakthi Insurance has held many outreach initiatives as part of their commitment to serve the community, from special kidney screening programs to the sponsorship of young rural athletics, Dengue prevention programs and even giving hope through eye care.