Sunday Times 2
SriLankan, Ebert Silva, Galle Face Hotel come together to serve children of our fallen and disabled heroes
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Children were taken to the airport on a familiarisation tour
Three pioneer hospitality institutions joined hands once again in a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative marking World Children’s’ Day on October 1. Sri Lankan Cares, the charitable arm of SriLankan Airlines, Ebert Silva Holidays, the pioneer company in Sri Lanka’s travel and tourism industry, and Galle Face Hotel, the foremost heritage hotel in Sri Lanka celebrated World Children’s’ Day with the theme “In Remembrance of You”.
The event was also held in recognition of the children of our fallen and disabled heroes who sacrificed their lives and the happiness of their families to bring permanent peace to the nation. All three armed forces as well as the Police were represented by 40 children and their remaining parents.
“Children are our treasure, and handling them with care and commitment while opening a whole world of hope for these innocent children, was our main objective,” Sri Lankan Cares Manager Niroshan Ranawake stated.
Rajini de Silva Mendis, Chairperson of Ebert Silva Holidays, said, “It is not only the fathers of these children that have made great selfless sacrifices for the motherland. At the cost of their carefree and happy childhoods these children too have made a great sacrifice. Their lives have taken a different hue with the experience of having lost a father or having being affected for life by war. We wanted to show our gratitude and appreciation and to let them to know that just like their fathers’ they too are heroes to the nation.”
“In a civil strife, whichever side may call itself the victor, there are no winners, but survivors. The question is not who won the most but who lost the least. Hence the synergy through the three companies gave these children a very happy experience,” stated Mahika Chandrasena, Director Marketing Communications of Galle Face Hotel. “A guest journey is not only about a hotel experience; it is also love, hope and the personal care provided that makes it a memorable experience.”
After the tea party at the Galle Face Hotel
After arriving at the airport in gaily decorated double decker buses, the children then headed for a familiarisation tour courtesy of the Airport and Aviation Authority. With much excitement, they boarded the A 330 Oneworld Sri Lankan Airlines aircraft. After an inspirational introduction to aviation, they were served lunch on board. The evening ended with a delectable tea party with entertainment at the Galle Face Hotel.
Meals on board