National Development Bank joins World Vision Lanka to combat COVID-19

National Development Bank PLC (NDB) on the request of World Vision Lanka, which is coordinating with individuals and organisations to support the government in its fight against the COVID-19, funded 20 adjustable beds to COVID-19 Isolation Centres as one of its many initiatives to help the health sector during this crisis. World Vision is matching the funding by the NDB, hence 40 adjustable beds will be donated altogether.

With the current exponential rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, the Government is setting up over 100 isolation centres and the Ministry of Health has reached out to World Vision with the list of equipment urgently needed in these isolation centres and ICUs. NDB on the request of World Vision has come forward to respond to the request.

While both NDB and World Vision supported the Government's efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Sri Lanka from March 2020, this is the first time both organisations joined to provide relief during the pandemic.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, NDB Bank has responded to the COVID-19 crisis in the country and contributed substantially to assist the brave frontline medical staff since March 2020,” said Ms Melody Wickramanayake, Chairperson of the NDB CS Committee. “The Bank donated, PPEs, N95 Face Masks, 3Ply Protective Masks, N95 Cones, KN95 Masks, Face Shields and Infrared Thermometers, to over 20 hospitals in the country. A sum of LKR 7 million was also donated to the President’s Fund and the COVID-19 Healthcare & Social Security Fund. A further LKR 1 million was donated to the Rotary Club for the purchase of a PCR Testing Machine. An ‘Air Disinfectant Machine’ was also donated to the National Hospital. The Bank also provided monetary assistance to the janitors working at the Bank, enabling them to meet their essential needs during the lockdown period.”

These adjustable beds with head and leg adjustments and safety rails on both sides of the bed will provide comfort and safety to COVID-19 patients. The total cost of these beds is more than LKR 5 million and NDB and World Vision hope that they will support the Sri Lankan health system beyond the pandemic as well.

"We match-fund any donation during the pandemic, no matter whether it's an individual or corporate donation," said Dr. Dhanan Senathirajah, National Director of World Vision Lanka. "Hence, we were elated when NDB agreed to partner with us to provide 20 adjustable beds, because it will result in 40 beds to the isolation centres. We hope that this timely donation during this third wave where the health system of the country is challenged will help not only the patients but also the health workers, who are working hard to keep us safe."

World Vision Lanka, which has been serving the communities in Sri Lanka for the last 44 years, began its first response in March 2020 reaching over 400,000 people. The response focused on scaling up preventive measures, strengthening the health system and workers and supporting children through protection, education and nutrition. World Vision has so far supported 259 hospitals, clinics and other health institutions with essential health equipment and disinfectant kits. Some of the rural health facilities were supported with nebulizers, ECG machines, autoclaves, inspection beds and infrared thermometers.

NDB was crowned as Sri Lanka’s Best Bank 2021 by the prestigious Global Finance Magazine of USA, fresh on the heels of being recognized as The Bank of the Year Sri Lanka, by The Banker Magazine UK. NDB Bank is the 4th largest listed bank in Sri Lanka and the parent company of the NDB Group. The only financial services conglomerate in Sri Lanka, NDB Group is uniquely positioned towards assisting the growth and development of the Sri Lankan capital market to provide its customers seamless access to the product and service offerings of all its group companies.