Uber and Red Cross launch first-aid training and health camp for drivers

Tuesday, 10 June 2025 00:11 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: Sri Lanka Red Cross Society’s Central Governing Board Member Ruksha Peiris, Uber for India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh Earner Growth Head Manish Bindrani, Sri Lanka Red Cross Society Senior Vice President Jagath Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, Uber Country Manager for Mobility in Sri Lanka Kaushalya Gunaratne

Uber, Sri Lanka’s most loved ride-hailing app, in partnership with the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, has announced a first-aid training program and health camp for drivers. The initiative aims to enhance road safety and driver well-being and was kicked-off in Colombo yesterday. Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and was joined by leadership teams from Uber Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Red Cross Society.

The initiative aims to equip 750 drivers—including 500 Uber drivers and 250 public transport drivers—with essential first aid skills, enabling them to respond better in emergency situations. Additionally, a Health Camp will provide free comprehensive full-body medical check-ups to 1,000 Uber drivers, underscoring Uber’s commitment to driver health and wellness.

Speaking on the initiative, Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, said: “This health and safety initiative demonstrates how private sector companies can work hand-in-hand with humanitarian organisations to achieve a common goal – putting people first. I commend Uber and the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society for investing in driver health and safety, and for setting an example that others can follow.”

Uber Sri Lanka Country Manager – Mobility Kaushalya Gunaratne said, “Drivers are at the core of our operations and this initiative is about empowering those who move Sri Lanka every day. Drivers spend several hours on the road and their ability to respond better to emergencies can make a critical difference. Through this partnership with Red Cross, we are empowering them with life-saving skills and reaffirming our commitment to their health and safety.”

Sri Lanka Red Cross Society Senior Vice President Jagath Abeysinghe said, “Partnering with Uber allows us to extend the reach of vital first aid knowledge and healthcare services to a critical segment of the gig work economy. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to preparedness, public health, and community resilience.”

As Uber marks its tenth year of operations in Sri Lanka, the company continues to invest in programs that enhance driver capabilities and contribute to the broader community.

This initiative further strengthens Uber’s partnership with Red Cross to support drivers on its platform and the larger community it serves. In 2022, Uber had donated $ 200,000 to support the distribution of essential medicines and food supplies across the country with support from Red Cross. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Uber had provided 50,000 free rides to Red Cross to assist frontline healthcare workers and vulnerable communities.

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