6 lives saved thanks to AIA’s Poson safety program

Saturday, 8 July 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Six lives were saved this year, thanks to AIA’s Poson Safety Program. Now in its 24th consecutive year, the program aims at protecting the lives of the throngs of pilgrims travelling to Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla for Poson.

Every year, AIA Insurance joins hands with the Sri Lanka Police, Sri Lanka Lifesaving, the Civil Security Division and the Sri Lanka Navy in deploying lifeguards to watch over the reservoirs in the area, which are popular bathing and swimming spots. Over 200 lives have been saved due to this programme since its inception.

This year a total of 560 lifeguards were deployed around 22 lakes and reservoirs, for three days straight, to protect the pilgrims. Six lives were saved including that of an 11 year old school-boy. The others, all males, whose ages ranged from 29 to 50, were there with their families and friends, on the Poson pilgrimage.

“I got a second chance at life,” said one of rescued pilgrims, adding “I have so many plans for my future and I can’t believe I almost lost it all. I am grateful to the people who saved me and gave me back my life and future.”

“We’ve just finished the 24th consecutive year of our Poson Safety Program and we’re glad to have played a part in saving over 200 lives since its inception,” said AIA Chief Marketing Officer Nikhil Advani. He added, “A death in the family is a tragic event and we do our utmost to make sure the pilgrims remain safe through a combination of awareness programmes, on site lifeguards and warning signs that are spread out all over Anuradhapura, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa. We’re grateful to our partners – Sri Lanka Lifesaving, Sri Lanka Police, Sri Lanka Navy and the Civil Security Division who so enthusiastically support AIA’s Poson Safety Program with their lifeguards each year to protect the lives of the pilgrims who visit lakes and reservoirs around the holy sites.”