Reinforcing its 31-year commitment to safeguarding Sri Lankans, AIA Insurance Lanka expanded its annual Poson Safety Programme this year with a range of initiatives aimed at creating safer, healthier and more convenient pilgrimage experiences for hundreds of thousands of devotees visiting Anuradhapura and Mihintale.
For more than three decades, the AIA Poson Safety Programme has been a trusted presence during the Poson season in Anuradhapura. This year, the initiative brought together public safety, health awareness, environmental responsibility and transport assistance under one integrated programme.
Free Train Services Support Thousands of Pilgrims
As part of the enhanced programme, AIA Insurance operated a free Poson Pilgrimage Train from Colombo Fort to Anuradhapura, enabling approximately 1,500 devotees to travel to the sacred city safely and conveniently.
To further support transportation between key pilgrimage destinations, AIA also introduced a free shuttle train service between Anuradhapura and Mihintale for three consecutive days. The service transported approximately 22,000 passengers, helping devotees travel between the two locations with greater ease.
More Than 530 Lifeguards Deployed
Recognising the importance of water safety during the Poson season, AIA Insurance once again partnered with the Sri Lanka Police, Sri Lanka Life Saving Association, Sri Lanka Navy and Civil Security Department.
Through the collaboration, more than 530 lifeguards were deployed across 44 reservoirs and water bodies in Anuradhapura and surrounding areas.
The programme helped save six lives this year, further demonstrating the importance of its long-running safety efforts. Since its inception, the AIA Poson Safety Programme has helped save more than 250 lives, with no reported loss of life in areas covered by the programme during the Poson season.
In recognition of the lifeguards who provided their services throughout the initiative, AIA also extended complimentary personal accident insurance coverage to all lifeguards serving under the programme this year.
Health Screening Reaches Hundreds
AIA complemented its safety initiatives with health awareness and screening programmes focused on some of Sri Lanka’s key health concerns.
Working alongside medical professionals, the company conducted blood pressure screening programmes, providing more than 300 free blood pressure checks and consultations. The initiative aimed to encourage early detection of hypertension, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
AIA also partnered with the Cancer Society of Sri Lanka to conduct an oral cancer awareness and screening programme, benefiting more than 250 individuals. With oral cancer among the most prevalent cancers affecting Sri Lankan men, the programme focused on raising awareness about potential symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis.
Digital Map Used by More Than 267,000 Pilgrims
To make the pilgrimage experience more convenient, AIA Insurance collaborated with the Ministry of Defence – Centre for Defence Research & Development to introduce a digital map service for devotees.
The platform enabled pilgrims to locate essential facilities and services across the sacred city, including:
Parking areas
Drinking water facilities
Toilets
Medical camps
Safe bathing locations
Dansal
Emergency contact points
The digital platform recorded more than 267,000 users throughout the pilgrimage season, making it one of the most widely used digital services available to Poson pilgrims.
JADE Expands Its Presence with New Bellanwila Restaurant as Growth Journey Continues
JADE, one of Sri Lanka’s recognised Chinese restaurant brands under the LAUGFS Group, has expanded its presence with the opening of its fourth restaurant at No. 326, Dehiwala Road, Boralesgamuwa. The new outlet marks another milestone in the brand’s growth journey as it continues to bring its signature Chinese dining experience to customers across the country.
JADE first entered Sri Lanka’s restaurant scene with its Jubilee Post outlet in 2005, followed by the opening of its Maharagama restaurant in 2006. Over the years, the brand has built a loyal customer base through its focus on food quality, authentic taste and consistent service.
The opening of the Negombo restaurant in 2025 further expanded JADE’s offering, introducing experiences such as a dedicated karaoke room that has attracted a growing customer following. The new Bellanwila outlet now adds another destination to the brand’s expanding restaurant network.
Celebrating Another Milestone
The opening ceremony was attended by the LAUGFS Group Chairman, Group Executive Vice Chairman and senior leadership team, who joined the JADE team to mark the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Group Chairman and Group Executive Vice Chairman highlighted the significant growth potential of the JADE brand, noting that its reputation has been built on uncompromising food quality and consistently memorable dining experiences.
They also commended the team behind the new restaurant for creating a space that reflects JADE’s commitment to quality while providing customers with a welcoming and comfortable environment.
Customer Experience at the Heart of Growth
Speaking at the opening, Niroshan De Silva, Sector Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer – Retail, emphasised that customer satisfaction will remain central to JADE’s future expansion.
“Every customer who walks through the restaurant's doors should leave with a memorable dining experience and a reason to return,” he said.
He added that JADE is entering an exciting phase of growth and expansion, with exceptional service standards, consistently high-quality food and memorable customer experiences remaining key to building long-term customer loyalty and sustaining the brand’s success.
Designed for Different Dining Occasions
The new Bellanwila restaurant has been designed to accommodate a variety of dining occasions and can seat approximately 90 guests.
AIA Poson Safety Programme Marks Another Year of Impact, Saving Six Lives and Reaching Hundreds of Thousands
