LEADS helps in COVID-19 efforts to combat pandemic
View(s):LEADS, an NGO which works on childrens’ issues recognising the great need at quarantine centres across Sri Lanka, has responded to requests for help from the administration of quarantine centres in Kandakadu, Ampara and Palamunai.
LEADS was successful in raising support with the help of the public in providing for the urgent requirements at the Kandakadu Quarantine Centre.
The military personnel at the Kandakadu Quarantine Centre faced a unique situation as elephants approaching the site posed a safety threat to the centre. In response to this need, LEADS provided LED searchlights to keep the elephants at bay along with other essential needs such as water pumps, water boilers, ceiling fans and a 1000 litre water tank for the use of the centre, it said in a media release.
As its main course of intervention, LEADS also supports the needs arising in hospitals and is currently raising support with the help of the public and its support network for the medical and psychosocial needs of three centres in Ampara, under the directives of the Ampara Regional Director of Health. Thus far, LEADS has also provided medical equipment such as wheelchairs and hygiene packs worth Rs.150,000 to the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Kilinochchi.
Apart from these interventions, LEADS is also raising support for medical needs, including high-flow nasal oxygen machines for the use of hospitals as well as PPE and hygiene packs for Divisional Secretariats and local authorities. LEADS will also provide dry rations for 435 families and 200 religious institutions that are economically affected by the spread of the pandemic and the periods of travel restriction. Assistance in the form of dry rations and psychosocial care will also be distributed among Child Development Centres in the Western Province as well as centres in the Badulla and Monaragala Districts.
“Each citizen is presented with the task of rising to the occasion and being more attentive to the needs of their neighbours.” Mr. Jayasuriya also expressed his gratitude on behalf of the organisation to all who joined hands with LEADS in supporting the needs at the Kandakadu Quarantine Centre, while thanking the LEADS’ network for the immense support received thus far. “We are touched by the generosity of the Sri Lankan people and the solidarity of our partners. As the need for support grows even greater in the face of this third wave, we hope you will continue to stand with us as we reach out to those who are most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
LEADS is a national agency which works towards creating safer spaces and brighter futures for the children of Sri Lanka. As an approved charity, LEADS’ work is integrated in recognising the child as part of a family, community and the nation, through its work with survivors of abuse, underprivileged communities and those at risk of natural and man-made disasters, both at grassroot and national policy level.