News
Sri Lanka: Safeguarding one million Poson pilgrims at risk
17 June, 2010
- International Life Saving Federation estimates 1.2 million people around the world die by drowning every year and one million are rescued by lifesavers.
Once again, for the 17th consecutive year, Aviva NDB is poised to ensure that the one million Poson pilgrims who will throng Anuradhapura during the forthcoming Poson weekend are safeguarded while they take a dip in the tanks and reservoirs that dot the vicinity.
Every year Aviva NDB launches an extensive campaign to keep Poson pilgrims aware of the dangerous waters that have claimed many lives before the safety campaign was launched. Enhanced safety awareness has reduced the number of deaths from drowning among pilgrims to zero.
To ensure this trend continues, Aviva NDB’s safety campaign includes the distribution of leaflets starting from entry points to Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, with hoardings, banners, pennants and public address systems reminding pilgrims to safeguard themselves. Most importantly, the company facilitates the presence of around 550 professional lifesavers at almost all the tanks and reservoirs with the collaboration of the Sri Lanka Police, Navy and the Life Saving Association of Sri Lanka.
Amal Perera, AGM – Marketing elaborating on why Aviva NDB emphasizes the need to be aware of the dangers while in Anuradhapura said: “Many pilgrims camp out and depend on the waters of the reservoirs for their ablutions. They have to be motivated to seek safe bathing spots, especially as many come with young children as well as grandparents. As an insurer, we are happy that our safety campaign has over the years provided much-needed protection to the large numbers of devotees that come to the Sacred City for Poson.”
Apart from launching a multi-media public awareness campaign to draw attention to the danger of drowning in tanks that look inviting but are treacherous with mud, weeds and rocks that can prove to be hazardous, the company facilitates the presence of warning boards at unsafe waters and identifies the waters that are safe for pilgrims to bathe in.
Last year, 10 persons were rescued. The youngest was a 14 year from Kandy who was rescued when he plunged into Kala Wewa. Two female asthma sufferers, one aged 52 from Yakkala, bathing at Nuwara Wewa and the other aged 35 from Kurunegala at Tissa Wewa were rushed to the nearest hospital by the Lifesavers as they both experienced difficulty in breathing while in the water. Among those rescued were two individuals who had epileptic fits while in the water. Altogether nearly 150 persons have been rescued since the company commenced conducting the Poson Safety Campaign in 1993.
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Media Enquiries:
Shanthi Gunewardene - Senior Executive, Integrated Marketing Communications
Telephone: Office - 2310078
Notes to editors:
About Aviva
Aviva is the world’s fifth-largest* insurance group, serving over 53 million customers across Europe, North America and the Asia Pacific. Aviva's main business activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance, with worldwide total sales of £45.1 billion and funds under management of £379 billion as at 31 December 2009. Aviva is the largest insurance services provider in the UK and one of the leading providers of life and pension products in Europe.
The Aviva media centre at www.aviva.com/media includes images, company and product information and a news release archive.
* based on gross worldwide premiums at 31 December 2008
About NDB bank
NDB Group is one of the largest financial conglomerates in Sri Lanka, operating regionally in Maldives and Bangladesh. The Group offers project finance, corporate banking, SME lending, retail banking, investment banking, stock broking, wealth management and insurance solutions under one roof. Today, NDB bank, the commercial banking arm of the NDB Group is the highest capitalized Sri Lankan commercial bank.
