Union Assurance, Sri Lanka’s longest-standing private Life Insurer, extended its flagship corporate social responsibility initiative, Union Assurance Suwamaga, to the sacred city of Anuradhapura during the Poson season, providing free diabetes screenings and health awareness services to thousands of pilgrims and members of the public.
Conducted over three days on 28, 29, and 30 June near Sandahiru Seya, the initiative reflected the values of Poson—compassion, generosity, and service—by transforming one of Sri Lanka’s largest religious gatherings into an opportunity for people to take proactive steps toward better health through early detection and preventive care.
Driven by its purpose of protecting what matters most, Union Assurance continues to expand the role of Life Insurance beyond financial security by supporting healthier communities. Through Union Assurance Suwamaga, the company focuses on raising awareness, encouraging early intervention, and improving access to essential health services across Sri Lanka.
Since its launch in 2024, Union Assurance Suwamaga has developed into one of Sri Lanka’s most comprehensive private-sector diabetes awareness and screening initiatives. The programme has reached communities across all 25 districts, directly supporting more than 23,500 individuals while spreading diabetes awareness among over 1.2 million people.
Implemented in partnership with the Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Health, the initiative combines medical expertise, institutional collaboration, and community engagement to promote early detection and healthier lifestyles. The independently validated Union Assurance Suwamaga Impact Report 2025 further highlights the programme’s contribution to public health efforts, revealing that 71% of beneficiaries reported positive behavioural changes after participating in the initiative.
These outcomes demonstrate the programme’s role in encouraging timely health checks, promoting preventive action, and reducing the long-term impact of diabetes, often described as a silent health threat.
Commenting on the initiative, Chief Marketing Officer of Union Assurance PLC, Mahen Gunarathna, said:
“At Union Assurance, we believe protecting what matters most begins long before protection is needed. Union Assurance Suwamaga was launched with the vision of addressing one of Sri Lanka’s most pressing public health challenges by making diabetes screening more accessible and encouraging early intervention. Since then, the initiative has continued to build momentum, extending its reach across communities while empowering more Sri Lankans to take proactive steps towards protecting their health.”
Through continued initiatives such as Union Assurance Suwamaga, the company remains committed to creating meaningful social impact and supporting a healthier future for communities across Sri Lanka.
John Keells Foundation Marks International Day Against Drug Abuse with Multi-Sector Awareness Initiatives
With the rising concern of drug use among school children and youth in Sri Lanka, John Keells Foundation (JKF), the corporate social responsibility arm of the John Keells Group, continues to strengthen its commitment toward substance abuse prevention through sustained awareness and community-based initiatives.
Recognising that substance abuse impacts not only individuals but also families, communities, and national development, JKF has focused on Substance Abuse Prevention since 2016 under its Social Health & Cohesion pillar, aligned with its vision of “Empowering the Nation for Tomorrow.”
To mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed on 26 June, JKF reaffirmed its dedication to building a safer, healthier, and more resilient Sri Lanka through education, awareness, and prevention initiatives.
As part of its ongoing efforts, JKF conducted awareness and training programmes from 22 to 24 June for 644 employees across all levels at Cinnamon Grand. The sessions were initiated by JKF and facilitated by the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB), focusing on increasing awareness about substance abuse risks and promoting preventive action.
The programme is part of a broader awareness campaign across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. Earlier sessions conducted at Cinnamon Myst and Cinnamon Citadel in Kandy on 25 and 26 May reached 218 employees across different levels, with further programmes planned at other hotels and resorts in the coming months.
Commenting on the initiative, S.A. Premachandra, Director – Learning and Development of the Cinnamon Colombo Hotels, said the sessions received strong participation and positive feedback from employees at Cinnamon Grand.
“The sessions were highly successful and appreciated by colleagues across all levels at Cinnamon Grand. Upon our request, a special programme was also conducted for security staff on identifying drugs. With 80% of our cadre and 34 outsourced employees participating, the response was overwhelming. We look forward to conducting more sessions to reach the rest of our team,” he said.
The initiative has also expanded beyond the hospitality sector. In 2025, John Keells Group’s supermarket chain, Keells, partnered with NDDCB to introduce similar awareness programmes across 145 outlets, empowering frontline employees to identify potential risks and encourage healthier lifestyle choices.
Beyond its business operations, JKF has continued to support communities by providing knowledge and skills to prevent substance abuse. In partnership with NDDCB and Humedica Lanka, JKF has conducted impactful programmes since 2016 targeting teachers, students, parents, preschool teachers, local government officials, and community police officers.
Through these multi-sector initiatives, John Keells Foundation continues to emphasize the importance of early intervention, strong support systems, and collective community action in addressing substance abuse and creating a healthier future for Sri Lanka.
Union Assurance Suwamaga Provides Free Diabetes Screening Support to Thousands During Poson Pilgrimage
