Continuing its societal endeavours even during these difficult times and supporting Sri Lankans to live healthier, longer, better lives, AIA announced the renewal of its partnership with the Sri Lanka Cancer Society in 2022. This will be the fourth consecutive year that AIA will donate Rs. 100/- on behalf of every new policy sold in the year, to the Sri Lanka Cancer Society. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in this regard was signed between AIA Deputy CEO and Chief Agency Officer Upul Wijesinghe and Cancer Society Chairperson Anoja Karunaratne.
Funds donated by AIA over the years are being used by the Cancer Society for the provision of care and solace to needy cancer patients as well as increasing awareness on the prevention and treatment of cancer, which is a rapidly growing concern in Sri Lanka. In fact, Non-Communicable Diseases such as Cancer continues to be a very real problem in Sri Lanka and are responsible for over 80% of deaths, which is well above the global rate of 74%.
AIA’s CEO Chathuri Munaweera noted, “Cancer is one of the nation’s leading health concerns and we will not waiver in our commitment to lend a hand to those in need even amidst these difficult times. It is our humble privilege to continue our support to the Cancer Society, despite the current economic crisis. Cancer requires specialised treatment, dedicated care and a strong support system for the patients and their families and we want to continue helping the cause while appreciating the good work that the Sri Lanka Cancer Society are doing in this regard.”
Cancer Society Chairperson Anoja Karunaratne thanked AIA for their continued support, “we are delighted that AIA renewed their partnership and will continue to financially support the Cancer Society’s activities. We sincerely appreciate that despite the economic challenges, AIA continued to provide financial support during the last year, which was immeasurably helpful in treating needy cancer patients during a very tough time.”
She added, “we use the significant contributions made by AIA largely towards the operation and upkeep of the ‘Bandaranayake Memorial Homes’, which provides a transit home and care facilities to needy patients seeking treatment at the National Cancer Institute and the Apeksha Hospital. We also focus on increasing awareness on the prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer which is a very important part of educating the public. We rely on external support to provide direct care for patients who are undergoing this ordeal while trying to ensure they receive the best of care and support, both medically and emotionally. So, it has been an immense strength to have AIA’s support for our cause.”
