Rebuilding the island paradise

The Easter celebrations in Sri Lanka on April 21st, 2019, was met with darkness and heartbreak. Coordinated terror attacks targeting 3 churches and 3 luxury hotels on the western coast crippled the island paradise. Over 250 people lost their lives and at least 500 others were injured. The weeks that followed were met with strengthened security measures. The country, once bustling with the busy hustle of travellers, traffic and tales of warm, friendly citizens came to a gloomy standstill. The spirit of Sri Lanka was broken.

Rebuilding the nation and restoring it to its former paradise state, required the efforts of everyone; whether an individual or a giant corporate. It was with the belief in hope that over the last few weeks, Fairfirst Insurance actively started engaging with the communities that were affected. The key focus being, to mend Sri Lanka’s spirit, in the smallest of ways.

Hope transitioned into reality as Fairfirst was supported by the Fairfax Group, and together they contributed to providing unwavering support and assistance to the community and the country in any way possible. A corpus of LKR 45 million was donated towards the rehabilitation of the affected families. And as a continuous and sustained assistance in the long run, Fairfirst Insurance has earmarked a charity fund. This fund will be deployed across different organisations to help the community both in terms of their immediate as well as future needs.

From left: Dr. Sanjeev Jha, Mr. Priyantha Perera, Mr. Dhilan Mitchell & Mrs. Priyanwada Rodrigo of Fairfirst Insurance, handing over a cheque of LKR 20 million to His Eminence, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith and Rev. Father Lawrence Ramanayake.

The Managing Director & CEO of Fairfirst Insurance, Dr. Sanjeev Jha along with the proud representatives handed over a cheque to Cardinal Malcom Ranjith to show their support to the church. Additionally, the company offered their assistance in updating the church’s website. Also paid for a field officer to gather the necessary content required for the site. Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith stated, “I am heartened with the concern and support placed from Fairfirst Insurance and its parent, Fairfax Financial Holdings. Theirs is a pure commitment which goes beyond financial donation and is a reflection of their commitment to the community they work, live and love in.” The visits and contribution were also extended towards Pastor Roshan Maheshan of the Zion Church in Batticaloa as well. Pastor Roshan Maheshan stated, “We are humbled towards the proceedings in rebuilding and healing the shattered lives of our community and I want to take this opportunity to thank Fairfirst Insurance and its parent, Fairfax Financial Holdings for their commitment.”

From left: Pastor Roshan Maheshan and Michelle Maheshan of the Zion Church in Batticaloa being handed a cheque by Dr. Sanjeev Jha, Priyantha Perera and Dhilan Mitchell.

Additionally, Fairfirst Insurance rallied their troops of 1,500 employees to donate funds and assistance to the families and communities affected. Monetary contributions to aid in the rehabilitation of the families that were affected were undertaken by the company. And as a future initative, direct financial assistance would be provided to each of the 14 families from remote hill areas in the Central Province.

Sri Lanka is on the road to recovery. With the help from its citizens and the global community, the country will be restored to its former glory. A glory, where paradise is famed only for its golden beaches, verdant tea estates and exotic wildlife.

Fairfirst Insurance Limited, is a business entity registered under the global Fairfax Group, a property and casualty insurer, reinsurer and investment manager. Based in Toronto, Canada, Fairfirst is the leading general insurance provider in Sri Lanka serving individuals, businesses and institutions across the island.

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