LB Finance donates over Rs. 25 m worth of ventilators to combat COVID-19

LB Finance renowned as the undisputed leader in the non-banking financial institution sector has stepped up to support the nation in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. LB Finance pledged profoundly with the community for nearly five decades of service while persistently growing as a socially responsible corporate citizen in Sri Lanka. 

LB Finance acted upon strengthening the nation by donating high quality US Brand Hamilton C3 model mechanical ventilators and ICU beds manufactured in Switzerland which costs over Rs. 25 million, to the Cardio Therapeutic ICU of the National Hospital of Kandy on 12 November. The official handing over of this donation was graced by AGM – Human Resources Prasanna Kalinga, Chief Manager – Central Region Gayan Ayuwadana, other senior staff members and staff of LB Finance in the Central region with presence of National Hospital of Kandy Acting Director Dr. Erasha Fernando and staff of the hospital.

Through several other initiatives, LB Finance pledged its support to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The main prominence of the initiative was to support the health authorities tackle the COVID-19 context with ease. This will also enable the expansion of operations conducted by the health authorities to aid the patients of various other ailments and ensure the community is served. 

“With this initiative we at LB Finance are honoured to offer support to the health sector in order to combat the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic by strengthening the availability of medical facilities that are scarce. We also thank the efforts made by the health sector, tri-forces, police and other front-line activist for their contribution provided to control the spread of the virus,” said LB Finance PLC Managing Director Sumith Adhihetty. Adhihetty further expressed that LB Finance intends to donate more of these ventilators in the near future in order to facilitate the battle against the current pandemic. 

“On behalf of the medical fraternity we highly appreciate the contribution made by LB Finance at this critical juncture and undoubtedly these ventilators donated will not only help combat the COVID-19 pandemic but will also be beneficial in-order to treat patients with other ailments,” said National Hospital of Kandy Acting Director Dr. Erasha Fernando. 

Dr. Fernando further explained that Hamilton C3 model mechanical ventilators are of very high standards which is the most preferred ventilator brand by the health sector and this is the first instance that the National Hospital of Kandy has received Hamilton Brand ventilators. This compact high-end ventilator that consists of unique intelligent ventilation modes such as Adaptive Support Ventilation (ASV) that includes the optional INTELLiVENT-ASV which automatically controls the patient’s ventilation and oxygenation based on targets set by the clinician and on physiologic input from the patient, Protective Ventilation (P/V) Tool for lung assessment and recruitment, Integrated high flow oxygen therapy inclusive of a range other advanced features such as on-screen help for alarm troubleshooting and Integrated high-performance turbine. 

With these high-tech user-friendly features, the Hamilton C3 model mechanical ventilators suitable for all adult, paediatric, and neonatal ventilation provides better safety for the patients receiving treatment while help reduce the duration for recovery.

The holistic engagement in corporate social responsibility under a highly demanding circumstance was initiated by the Health 1st CSR pillar of the company. Hence, it is acknowledged as a timely initiative to support the community as a responsible corporate citizen. 

LB Finance remains committed in uplifting Sri Lankan lives and with this goal, the organisation constantly and consistently engages in many projects and initiatives that can benefit the country. The CSR arm of LB Finance is primarily engaged in six areas: Environment 1st, Health 1st, Future 1st, Heritage 1st, Safety 1st and Help 1st. 

LB Finance PLC is licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka under the Finance Business Act No. 42 of 2011 and listed in the Main Board of the Colombo Stock Exchange. The company offers a variety of financial services including leasing, vehicle loans, factoring, micro finance, mortgage loans, housing loans, education loans, personal loans, gold loans, fixed deposits, savings accounts, currency exchange and Western Union Money Transfer services through an island-wide branch network and Gold Loan Centres, offering unparalleled convenience to all customers. LB Finance has an A- (lka) rating from Fitch Ratings Lanka Ltd., with a stable outlook.