Demonstrating a steadfast dedication to the well-being of the Sri Lankan populace for over three decades, AIA Insurance Lanka has broadened its annual Poson safety initiative this year. This expansion includes a variety of programs aimed at enhancing the safety, health, and convenience of the pilgrimage experience for the vast number of devotees heading to Anuradhapura and Mihintale.
For 31 years, the AIA Poson Safety Programme has been a reliable fixture during the Poson season in Anuradhapura. This year, the initiative has integrated various elements such as public safety, health promotion, environmental care, and transportation support into a cohesive program.
A highlight of the enhanced initiative was the provision of a complimentary Poson Pilgrimage Train service operating from Colombo Fort to Anuradhapura, which facilitated safe and convenient travel for approximately 1,500 pilgrims. To further ease transportation between significant pilgrimage locations, AIA introduced a free shuttle train service that ran for three consecutive days between Anuradhapura and Mihintale, accommodating around 22,000 passengers.
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AIA Insurance reaffirmed its commitment to safety during the Poson season by collaborating with the Sri Lanka Police, Sri Lanka Life Saving Association, Sri Lanka Navy, and the Civil Security Department. Together, they deployed over 530 lifeguards across 44 reservoirs and water bodies in Anuradhapura and nearby regions. This year, the program was instrumental in saving six lives, adding to its impressive legacy. Since its launch, the AIA Poson Safety Programme has contributed to saving more than 250 lives, with no fatalities reported in the areas served during the Poson season. In recognition of the lifeguards’ invaluable contributions, AIA provided complimentary personal accident insurance coverage to all lifeguards participating in the program this year.
In addition to safety measures, AIA Insurance initiated multiple health awareness and screening programs focusing on critical health issues in Sri Lanka. These programs included blood pressure screenings conducted in partnership with healthcare professionals, offering over 300 free checks and consultations aimed at the early detection of hypertension, a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
Working alongside the Cancer Society of Sri Lanka, AIA also implemented an oral cancer awareness and screening initiative that reached more than 250 individuals. Given that oral cancer is notably prevalent among Sri Lankan men, the program aimed to enhance awareness of its symptoms and the significance of early detection.
To improve the convenience and accessibility for pilgrims, AIA Insurance collaborated with the Ministry of Defence – Centre for Defence Research & Development to launch a digital mapping service. This platform allowed devotees to easily find critical services such as parking, drinking water, restrooms, medical camps, safe bathing areas, food distribution points, and emergency contacts throughout the sacred city. The application garnered over 267,000 users during the pilgrimage season, establishing it as one of the most widely utilized digital resources for pilgrims.
Reinforcing its dedication to fostering a healthier and more sustainable environment, AIA Insurance also organized cleanup drives around the pilgrimage sites. More than 450 kg of plastic waste collected through these efforts will be recycled and transformed into T-shirts, which will serve as incentives for promoting environmental conservation and responsible waste management among schoolchildren and corporate entities.
This year’s AIA Poson Safety Programme, with its expanded array of services and partnerships, stands stronger than ever, exemplifying the company’s mission to help Sri Lankans lead healthier, longer, and better lives.
