The IT Welfare Society of Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT), the national telecommunication service provider, carried out a CSR project in the Kalawana area to provide educational items to needy school children and educate the community on the importance of child protection.

The IT Society members undertook to provide shoes and books to 350 needy children in 35 schools in the Kalawana area. Kalawana was selected since it is one of the most underprivileged areas of the country in terms of education and literacy rates. The items were handed over to the children at a special ceremony held recently at Kalawana Gamini Madya Maha Vidyalaya, which was organized with the help of the Zonal Director Mr. Sanath Priyantha as well as the principals of 35 schools. The event saw the participation of around 700 teachers, students, parents and members of the SLT IT Welfare Society. Hon. Janaka Wakkumbura (Member of Parliament) as well as Mr. D.W.R. Wijeweera, the Chief Information Officer of SLT graced this event as the Chief Guests.

Mr Rohana Wijeweera, CIO of SLT lightning the lamp and section of students participated at the event.

In addition to the distribution of necessary items, an awareness programme was held for the parents in the area on child protection. The awareness session was conducted by Mr. Janaka Kumara of the Child Protection Authority. Child Protection is yet another CSR project that the company has embarked upon in collaboration with the National Child Protection Authority towards the end of last year to educate and raise awareness amongst the public on the increasing rate of child abuse in the country, which is a cause for urgent attention and action. During the awareness programme held in Kalawana, the parents were educated on aspects of child abuse, preventing child abuse and safeguarding their children from such acts etc. as well as the urgent need for people to come together to protect our children. The awareness programme proved to be very educational and was an eye opener for the community.

SLT actively supports and also encourages its employees to initiate CSR projects for those who are less fortunate, and it is a value that has been embedded into the very culture of our organization.