St. John Ambulance Assoc. to be promoted in schools

Deputy Minister of Health, Nutrition & Indigenous Medicine, Faizal Cassim said his ministry will undertake to promote St. John Ambulance Association (SJAA) among schoolchildren through the Ministry of Education (MoE).

"This would enable to impart basic knowledge in First Aid and other life supporting skills among schoolchildren and make them helping hands in life threatening situations, in and outside the school," he added.

He made these remarks at an event held to promote the Senior Volunteer Officers of SJAA in Colombo recently.

Speaking at the event, SJAA Chairman Dr Palitha Abeykoon stressed the need for the involvement of youth of this country in charitable issues like this, amid growing attitudes of self centeredness.

Around 40 officers with more than 25 years service, in different categories were recognised at the ceremony of the Order of St. John, graciously sanctioned by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Sovereign Head of the Order.

The SJAA has more than 50,000 members islandwide and operates its ambulance services in Colombo, Kandy, Matara, Matale and Jaffna Districts, along with First Aid associations set up in schools. It is the first and oldest international charity founded in 1906 in Sri Lanka, with a worldwide presence.

It is also involved in corporate planning, and diversification of operations under First Aid and Nursing, Primary Healthcare, Disaster Preparedness & Management, Occupational Health & Safety, and Youth Participation in Development.

The President and the Prime Minister are the Patron and Vice Patron of the SJAA, Sri Lanka, respectively.