Being a socially responsible technology company, Rakuten Viber is taking a number of measures to help everyone stay connected with family, friends, and communities. After launching a number of features in the wake of COVID-19, Viber aims to cherish people who are staying at home during the country’s biggest festival ‘ Sinhala and Tamil New year’.

As per the directives of the government for COVID-19, many people will be social distancing themselves during the festival this year. Thus, to feel united, wishing loved ones becomes more important. Now, while in the comforts of their own home, Sri Lankans can avail through ‘Srilanka New Year Bot’ specially designed curated stickers, cool polaroid frames and attractive cards which would make ‘wishing’ personalized and heartfelt.

To make wishing more fun, Viber has also added an on-screen animation when people use texts such as සුභ අලුත් අවුරුද්දක් වේවා , புத்தாண்டு வாழ்த்துக்கள்  and many more.

Keeping health and safety as a priority, Anubhav Nayyar, Senior Director, Business Development APAC said “At the outbreak of COVID 19, we want people to take social distancing seriously even at the time of the festival. As a company, we understand the importance of this special day and thus want people of Sri Lanka to stay at home but stay connected with their loved ones amid the crisis. This initiative will add some fun into their lives during the festivities while defeating the virus from spreading by staying at home.”

Viber has also requested people of Sri Lanka to #stayathome through a social media challenge posted on its official account. As more and more private companies are taking health and safety measures amid the COVID-19 crisis, people are finding effective ways of connecting with their community.

New Year festival might have to be celebrated differently this year, but through Viber, the people can still celebrate responsibly and stay connected with their loved ones.