Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)

Keells helps farmers under lockdown in Sooriyawev­a

-

Sooriyawev­a has been one of the key locations, Keells ( JKH) has been sourcing vegetables and fruits from since 2010.

In this context when local authoritie­s reached out, stating certain areas in Sooriyawev­a under lockdown and homes under self-quarantine required essential goods, Keells arranged 300 packs of essentials that were distribute­d to this community, with the support of the officials from the S o o r i y aweva Div i s i o n a l Secretaria­t on May 2.

“The farmers in the area of Sooriyawev­a has been continuous­ly supporting the business by providing fresh vegetables and fruits that has contribute­d to the growth of Keells, therefore during these challengin­g times, ensuring these families are supported in whatever way necessary is an undertakin­g the business is willing to commit to, to rebuild their lives and help them regain a steady source of income. Together with the John Keells Foundation, Keells has also facilitate­d 180 English language scholarshi­ps in Sooriyawev­a since 2016, to children in the age category of 12 to 14 years,” JKH said in a media release.

Supporting community efforts during this COVID- 19 pandemic period will play an important role in ensuring vulnerable groups of the population and the needy are adequately supported. In late March, Keells donated 20 tons of vegetables to armed forces, the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) and also charity organisati­ons just before the lockdown. A request from the Gampaha District Hospital for face masks was also fulfilled by providing the hospital with 500 N95 masks in April.

 ??  ?? Handing over essentials to a family
Handing over essentials to a family

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Sri Lanka