Keells helps farmers under lockdown in Sooriyaweva
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Handing over essentials to a family
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 Sooriyaweva Divisional 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.