LB Finance ‘IFU Charity Fund’ facilitates opening of Eastern Cancer Care Hospice

Eastern Cancer Care (EASCCA) Hospice, a partly funded corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of the leading financial services brand LB Finance PLC, through its ‘IFU Charity Fund’, was officially declared open recently, in Eravur, with the presence of a distinguished gathering, including Islamic Finance Manager Zakir Salyand Valachenei Branch Head Mohamed Rizvi on behalf of LB Finance.

The brainchild of Batticaloa Hospital Consultant Oncologist Dr. A. Iqbal, this landmark venture was inaugurated two years ago with a ceremony in Colombo, with representatives from LB Finance in attendance. As a result, LB Finance was one of the first donors to pledge their support through its IFU Charity Fund, satisfying the entirety of the requirements of furniture for the Hospice, apart from the patients’ beds.

Whilst the cheque for the donation was handed over by LB Finance Executive Directors Niroshan Udage and March Perera to Dr. Iqbal,

Valachenei Branch Head Mohamed Rizvi made a ceremonial handover of the furniture to the hospice.

The project site is located 2km from Eravur town, situated in a 3A plot of land and was monitored throughout the course of development by the Valachenei branch of LB Finance through frequent inspection visits. This facility is equipped to serve the Eastern Province (comprising Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts), together with a few southern towns such as Tissamaharama and Sooriyawewa.

“Being among the top finance companies in Sri Lanka, we, at LB Finance, are honoured and grateful to have been able to engage in and support this worthy cause. This will essentially ease the burden of travelling for many patients and families from the Eastern province and suburbs. We are thankful to Dr. A. Iqbal of Batticaloa Hospital for spearheading the development of the Eastern Cancer Care Hospice and letting us come on board to assist in its development,” said Executive Director Niroshan Udage.

The EASCCA Hospice consists of 40 modern male and female wards in addition to an office, auditorium, well-equipped kitchen, a meditation centre, multi-religious praying area and doctors’ quarters. All occupants of the 40 wards are provided with three free meals per day during their entire stay at the hospice.

Out of the 40 wards, eight wards are reserved to provide free lodging for patients and/or relatives from distant villages who accompany them for prolonged (two to four weeks) cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc.) at Batticaloa Hospital, where daily travelling is neither practical, nor possible.

The remaining 32 wards are reserved for critical patients who are not entertained by government hospitals due to low chances of recovery. They are provided comfortable lodging in a pleasant environment, surrounded by greenery. For the moment, the facility has a modified three-wheeler at its disposal and the management is optimistic on acquiring a fully-equipped ambulance for patient transportation in the near future.

Furthermore, the EASCCA Hospice has also commenced work on a farm in a 4A plot of adjoining land and expects to generate adequate revenue within two years to enable the facility to sustain itself on the long run. LB Finance expects to continue assisting this project and will venture into new similar CSR projects.

Established in 1971, LB Finance has become a trusted and a highly respected financial company in Sri Lanka. As a finance company close to the hearts of Sri Lankans, LB Finance will always offer attractive financial solutions to Sri Lankan citizens and will continue to engage in CSR initiatives that benefit society and empower its citizens.

The company’s long-term vision and current practices focus on integrating best economic, environmental and social practices on par with global standards to contribute to the national cause of creating a harmonious and a beneficial society where all communities can find solutions to specific issues and lead prosperous and sustainable lives.

LB Finance PLC’S long-term rating of ‘A-(lka)’; Outlook Stable was affirmed by Fitch Ratings Lanka Ltd during the annual ratings review of NBFI.