President launches second phase of ‘Viru Abhiman’ COVID-19 insurance cover

In line with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ national policy framework and the concept of ‘Insurance for All”, the second phase of ‘Viru Abhiman’, an exclusive COVID-19 insurance cover was launched by Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) yesterday. 

SLIC Chairman Jagath Wellawatta handed over the policy proposal to the President. The insurance cover proposal was then handed over to Minister of Health, Minister of Public Services, Provincial Council and Local Government, Ministry of Industries, Secretary of Defense, Deputy Chairman and Secretary of Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka by President Rajapaksa.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic spreading globally and locally at an alarming rate, doctors, healthcare workers, tri-forces, Sri Lanka Police, Public Health Inspectors, Samurdhi Officers, other related State staff members and private sector staff members are working tirelessly to control the pandemic situation within the country and sustain the country’s economic front.

The government plans to offer the proposed group life insurance free-of-charge for all public servants, which includes officers in central government, provincial councils, local government and tri-forces.

Further, the insurance cover is extended to private sector too at a special subsidized rate. 

The employers of the private sector are encouraged to obtain this cover for their employees. As a symbolic offer, a proposal was handed over by the President to Mahesh Hirdramani, Deputy Chairman of Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) Sri Lanka.

Through the exclusive COVID-19 insurance cover, policyholders will receive a financial benefit of Rs.100, 000 for death due to COVID-19, Rs.1000 per day for hospitalisation and Rs.2, 000 per day for ICU cover (up to a maximum of 90 days).