SriLankan Cares, the CSR arm of SriLankan Airlines, collaborated with Galle Face Hotel and Ebert Silva Holidays, to celebrate World Children’s Day on October 1, with more than a hundred children of Katuwapitiya in Negombo, who were directly affected by the devastating Easter Sunday bombings.
The three leading corporate organisations, which often work in partnership for the benefit of society, provided 115 children with a full day of educational entertainment and awareness of the hospitality industry. The objective of the day out, was to inspire the young children with knowledge concerning the tourism and hospitality industry, providing them with a holistic educational experience, combined with an element of fun.
Vipula Gunatilleka, Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines said: “This program objectifies the importance of children’s education and affirms that corporates should keep inspiring the younger generation to pursue various trades for their future, encouraging them to learn further about the diverse paths open to them. This celebration was also a truly valuable moment for SriLankan Airlines as a company committed to the upliftment of children.”
The children gathered at the Katuwapitiya Church and were taken to the Bandaranaike International Airport, where they were given a familiarization tour all around the Airport premises. They were later taken aboard an Airbus A330 aircraft and served a delicious meal on board. The children then hopped in to three Ebert Silva Holidays’ famed red open-deck double-decker busses and enjoyed an exciting ride, witnessing the city of Colombo and its latest developments, before arriving at the Galle Face Hotel for lunch and a special entertainment program.
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| In front of the A330 Aircraft |
Rajini de Silva Mendis, Chairperson of Ebert Silva Holidays said: “We are delighted to have come together in a cherished annual event of our company, to offer children, the future pillars of the nation, a splendid experience that gives confidence and motivation to dream big and set their goals high, with the sincere hope of seeing them as responsible and worthy citizens of our motherland.”
The children were taken on a tour of the hotel and its history, giving them the opportunity to witness the hospitality industry and then providing the signature Galle Face Hotel lunch, topped off with a music and dance performance, before heading out for a special tour to witness the latest developments of the Colombo Port with a glimpse into the Colombo Port City, courtesy of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
Sanjeev Gardiner, Group Chairman of Galle Face Hotel, at this unique initiative to celebrate World Children’s Day on the theme ‘Empowering Children for the Nation’s Future,’ said: “We are privileged to be a part of events such as these and we look forward to Children’s Day every year.”
The children also experienced a tour of a large modern warship ‘SLNS Gajabahu’ by courtesy of the Sri Lanka Navy, after which they returned home to Katuwapitiya.
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