HIP lends caring hand to Hambantota District Hospital

Saturday, 3 August 2019 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

HIP team hands over donations to the Paediatric Ward of the Hambantota District Hospital

Prompted by reports that undernourishment amongst children was rearing its head in adjacent areas to the Hambantota Port, the management of HIP launched an initiative to address the problem. The care project brought together permanent employees of the company as well as service providers, who gave of their time, effort and even finances to ensure its success.

“Usually we have an ice cream dansala during the month of June as a part of our outreach activities towards the community. This year we decided to change our plans because we recognised the dire need in the area, according to reports in the media and all our employees were very supportive of the plan,” said Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) General Manager HR Jeevan Premasara.

The General Manager added that port employees and service providers had been enthusiastic about this project, and they will be working closely with the relevant local authorities to ensure a structured and sustainable approach to this CSR program.

“We are considering a more long-term relationship in order to ensure that our CSR projects have a more lasting impact on the community. We looked at the bigger picture when we organised this year’s project, and concentrated our efforts on helping the Maternity and child care needs of the Hambantota district,” said Premasara.

Employees and management teams of HIP collaborated with the Hambantota District Hospital who was very supportive of the program, especially in identifying existing needs. In line with that, HIP was able to donate essential requirements, valued at more than Rs. 500,000 to the Paediatric Ward of the hospital. The packs to mothers and infants included nutritional products and foods as well as stationery items for older kids. The donation supported 120 needy inpatients of the Hambantota District Hospital overall, and some employees of the port, even opted to give of their personal funds to support this care project.