CLC grants free separators and COVID safety kits to three-wheeler operators

Tuesday, 16 February 2021 02:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Kalutara District Administrative Public Health Inspector R.J. Sinhabahu and CLC team pasting the awareness stickers after installing a separator

Commercial Leasing and Finance PLC (CLC), the fully-fledged financial services provider, has pioneered a COVID safety donation campaign for three-wheeler operators throughout the country. This donation is considered an industry-first initiative.

CLC has come forward to distribute separators and safety kits for its three-wheeler lessees via island-wide CLC customer points. Rolled out with the participation of CLC’s 68 branches, and supported by the relevant health authorities and Police officers in the respective regions, the donation helps to prevent COVID-19 transmission between the three-wheeler passengers and drivers.

The separators distributed were exclusively designed for this campaign using a high-quality durable material which is washable. The separators act as a barrier between the passenger and the driver by isolating the two parties and preventing any infections during a ride.

Commenting on this industry-first initiative, CLC Manager - Marketing Communications Prasad Perera stated: “Three-wheeler operators faced several challenges this year, and many were struggling to make ends meet. They experienced a huge drop in hires, and also faced the risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus when in operation. We wanted to safeguard both the drivers and their passengers in an industry-first initiative that not only protected both parties but also ensured that the drivers continued with their profession without any hindrance. "

During the first wave of COVID-19, CLC distributed more than 8,000 separators to three-wheeler operators across the country. The separators, whilst being helpful, needed to be accompanied by additional safety measures. Realising this need, CLC partnered with the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) and further expanded the level of assistance by distributing a COVID-19 safety kit, which included a mask, sanitiser and a booklet to note details of passengers along with each separator. The separators and safety kits were then distributed at an official event held at the National Institute of Medical Sciences, Katukurunda, adhering to GMOA guidance and COVID-19 health guidelines.

During the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, CLC distributed more than 2,000 separators and safety kits. The company wishes to continue with its COVID-19 safety initiatives across the island.

From left: Kalutara District Administrative Public Health Inspector R.J. Sinhabahu, Kalutara District Medical Health Officer Dr. Thilanga Hemashri, and CLC Kalutara Branch Manager Asela Silva handing over a separator to a customer