Citi Sri Lanka celebrates International Women’s Day showcasing that ‘It Takes All of Us’

Citi colleagues around the world participated in a company-wide global commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD), an important celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women worldwide. IWD has been observed since the early 1900s and in 1977 the United Nations General Assembly designated 8 March as International Women’s Day.

Sri Lanka kick-started the IWD celebrations on 8 March by organising a wellness session on the topic ‘A Closer Look at Nutrition and Exercise for the Busy Working Woman’, by Theruni Wijewardena, Chief Physiotherapist and Owner of the establishment The Physio. Theruni gave her invaluable inputs on nutrition and exercise options for the busy working woman, which ended with an interactive eye opening discussion on lifestyle choices and how it affects our health and wellbeing.     

The second event organised was the visit to Sri Lankadhara Balika and Elders Home on 11 March. The girls home houses 67 disadvantaged girls between the ages 1 to 18 years and the elders home facilitates housing for 55 senior female citizens. The highlight of the day’s activities was the lecture on ‘Total wellness and importance of hygiene’ delivered by Dr. Sumithra Tissera, medical doctor working at the Vindana Reproductive Health Centre, Colombo. 

Citi staff engaged themselves with the younger group to teach art and craft which ended with a session of games, lunch and distribution of goodie bags to all young and old. The day didn’t end there but continued at the cancer hospital where bed sheets and pillowcases were distributed amongst the needy patients. 

Citi Country Officer Ravin Basnayake said, “Citi’s global celebration of International Women’s Day is a recognition of the vital contributions of women worldwide and an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to support female colleagues and clients on their journey from ambition to achievement. We value the leadership and contributions of women throughout our company and are equally proud to serve female clients around the world as they start and grow businesses, build assets and secure their financial futures.”