Nearly 50,000 Sri Lankans travel every year to India and Nepal for the hugely popular Dambadiva pilgrimage. Venerated by Buddhists the world over, pilgrims have continued to visit Dambadiva for centuries. Known to be a fairly demanding and tiresome journey, most travelers endure harsh weather conditions, lack of medical facilities and a stringent travel schedule spanning over 8 – 12 days. Occurrences of travelers falling ill during the expedition are often reported. Understanding these challenges, Fairfirst has taken the lead in promoting insurance among this audience in partnership with the Buddhist Overseas Pilgrimages Tour Organizers Association of Sri Lanka. 

Having gauged the perils people may be exposed to during their journey, Fairfirst has introduced a Personal Accident and Hospitalization cover that aims to provide travelers financial support in the event of accidental death, permanent disabilities and hospitalization while overseas. Obtainable for a nominal Rs 310, this policy is available for purchase through registered travel agents of the Buddhist Overseas Pilgrimages Tour Organizers Association of Sri Lanka and as at date Fairfirst have provided coverage for 25, 440 people. 

Sanjay Siriwardane – Head of Sales mentioned, “Towards the continuous support for pilgrim travelers, an AGM by Buddhist Overseas Pilgrimages Tour Organizers Association of Sri Lanka was organized in which we proudly sponsored towards this journey’s success for the 2nd consecutive year.  This product is a perfect illustration of how we widen our penetration into markets and cater to the risks of pocket communities. These are opportunities that often go unnoticed and we at Fairfirst are happy to be working in partnership with the association and JF Insurance Brokers for this initiative.” 

Also speaking on this partnership was the former secretary of the Buddhist Overseas Pilgrimages Tour Organizers Association of Sri Lanka Mr. Ranganath Karunadasa, “This special coverage offered by Fairfirst Insurance is a huge value addition for pilgrims and our member companies. We are very happy to be partnering with Fairfirst in endeavoring to make the Dambadiva Vandanava a safer peaceful journey for travelers. I would also like to mention that for the year 2019-2020 the new secretary will be Rev. Higgoda Udayadahmma Thero, who I believe will make this spiritual journey an even greater success.”

Among the top General Insurance companies of Sri Lanka, Fairfirst serves individuals, businesses and institutions across this beautiful island through a versatile workforce spread across a comprehensive branch network, affinity partners and leading brokers in the market.