Daily Mirror - Print Edition

Panadol provides relief to Sri Pada pilgrims

11 Mar 2015 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}      




Panadol, the flagship brand of SmithKline Beecham (GlaxoSmithKline), recently held a relief camp to provide relief to the pilgrims visiting Sri Pada, under their flagship CSR programme “Panadol Suwa Saviya”. 
Over a period of five days, thousands of pilgrims from across the island and belonging to diverse communities were extended much needed relief from pain and first aid services, further strengthening their bond with the brand. 
Panadol Suwa Saviya relief camp saw over 1,200 pilgrims being provided relief and the initiative is estimated to have indirectly assisted over 220,000 pilgrims. This all-inclusive relief camp was located in close vicinity of the Nallathaniya police station and provided free pain relief and first-aid services. The camp was aptly equipped with beds and other essential facilities and trained personnel were stationed in and around the premises to provide pilgrims with round-the-clock relief from pain.  
With the objective of extending the best and most responsible support to the pilgrims, Panadol partnered with the Red Cross to hold this relief camp and the partnership added much value and quality to the services offered. 
Speaking on this CSR initiative, Ravi De Coonghe, Director Marketing, GlaxoSmithKline, said, “Panadol is a brand that has developed a long-standing bond with all Sri Lankans and has been an essential part of their lives for the past 50 years. 
“We at GSK always thrive to strengthen this bond and with ‘Suwa Saviya’ medical camps, we have been able to take it to the next level. Over the past few years, we have conducted many ‘Suwa Saviya’ relief camps in places such as Anuardhapura, Thalawila, Nallur and Kandy, thus providing relief to thousands of Sri Lankans during important religious and cultural festivals. We believe that our continued efforts reiterate our core principle of giving back to the community in the best way possible” 
Over the years Panadol has undertaken many CSR initiatives under the “Panadol Suwa Saviya” programme. The brand has held many relief camps and mobile first aid services during the most important religious and cultural festivals of the country, namely in places such as Anuradhapura, Mihinthale, Thanthirimale, Kandy, Nallur and Thalawila. The programme has been able to touch the lives of millions of Sri Lankans, further encouraging the brand to continue this service and enhance it every year.