Unilever Sri Lanka continues to support healthcare sector with contributions to Nuwara Eliya medical institutions

• Ceytea Tea Factory donates Rs. 2 m worth of essential medical equipment  

Unilever Sri Lanka’s Ceytea Tea Factory in Agarapathana, recently donated much needed medical equipment worth Rs. 2 million to medical institutes in the Nuwara Eliya region. The institutes include the District General Hospital in Nuwara Eliya, Divisional Hospital in Agarapathana, Divisional Hospital in Lindula and the Lindula MOH office, as the country continues its battle against the prevailing pandemic.

The aforementioned medical institutes are responsible for treating thousands of people in the area but are short of certain essential diagnostic technology and day-to-day personal protective equipment. Having identified this need, Ceytea stepped in to donate several items including a Centrifuge machine for PCR testing, a generator, a suction machine, waste bins, KN 95 masks, surgical masks, face shields, boots, bed covers and warmers. 

Speaking about the donation, Unilever Sri Lanka Supply Chain Director Gerard Irudayaraj said: “Ever since we commenced our manufacturing operations at Ceytea almost 60 years ago, we have built strong and lasting bonds with the Nuwara Eliya community through several sustainability programmes and community building projects. As such, we consider it our duty to support them during this time of need as the country combats the prevailing pandemic.”

Adding her thoughts, Unilever Sri Lanka Ceytea Factory Manager Anusha Kotalawala said: “When we were made aware that we could be of assistance, we had no hesitation in rendering whatever aid we could. We are humbled to support our fellow countrymen in the Nuwara Eliya region and hope our contributions will further strengthen the quality of healthcare services in the area.”

Nuwara Eliya Director – District General Hospital Dr. W.R.M. Mahendra Senevirathna said: “We would like to express our thanks to Unilever for their generous donation to our hospital during this COVID-19 pandemic. The items donated are extremely valuable and important to us during this period and we assure we will utilise them effectively to ensure the maximum benefit to our patients and frontline healthcare workers.”

Divisional Hospital in Agarapathana Medical Officer Dr. T.P.T.J. Bandara said: “We were in great need of a generator for quite some time as we were not able to find a solution for our own which had broken down. With frequent power cuts in the area, our patients have had to endure many struggles in the past. We couldn’t be more thankful to Unilever for understanding our difficulties and donating a generator at a time when we needed it the most.”

Commenting on the donation, Divisional Hospital in Lindula District Medical Officer Dr. Sandun Jayalath said: “The hospital management and I would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to Unilever for donating essential surgical equipment and other items at a time when we are facing an unprecedented health crisis in the country.”  

Thanking Unilever for their generous contribution, MOH in Lindula Medical Officer Dr. Janath Abeygunarathne said: “While our healthcare officials are carrying out PCR tests in light of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka, we offer our thanks to Unilever for their kind donation of much needed protective equipment upon our request to ensure the safety of our healthcare workers. Whilst we truly appreciate the company for supporting us during times of need, we look forward to their kind support in the future as well.”

Unilever has contributed over Rs. 70 million towards COVID-19 relief efforts since March 2020, with several of its brands at the forefront of public education and safety; the company recently donated 32 oxygen concentrators worth Rs. 10 million to the Ministry of Health; Its hygiene brand Lifebuoy has set up 100 Lifebuoy handwashing stations across the island and has been constantly engaging with members of the community to create awareness on hygiene and sanitation; Unilever’s efforts also include donating funds to the COVID-19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund and providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), ventilators, masks and essential Unilever products to Government and related bodies working towards preventing and controlling the pandemic.