'Union Neth Hamuwa' a unique CSR project from Union Assurance

Union Assurance rec-ently embarked on one of its most ambitious social services projects, an all-island aesthetic competition and cultural show named 'Pasalen Karaliyata'.

Comprising of folk dancing, singing and announcing, the aesthetic show, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, was designed to identify and recognise the innate talents of gifted school children around the country and foster the development of local dance and music.

26,112 children from over 19 districts participated in the initial competitions held from March 15th to August 15th from which 6200 children were chosen to take part in the national competition of September 8th and 9th.

The programme concluded in a national cultural show held on September 19th at the Maharagama Youth Centre, graced by the Education Minister, top officials from the education ministry and senior management from Union Assurance.

Union Assurance has been collaborating with the Ministry of Education on such projects since 2000. One of the Ministry's objectives is to develop the aesthetic talents of Sri Lankan children, which led to the Ministry requesting the support of Union Assurance in this area.

Although Union Assurance has, during that period, conducted several small programmes at local level, this is the first time it has organized an island wide programme of this scale, inviting schools throughout the country. The judging was entirely done by the Ministry of Education and Union Assurance was involved in initiating, organizing and managing the program.'

These efforts are part of the company's endeavours to arrest the decline of our cultural arts and aesthetic skills as sufficient attention is not being paid to these subjects.

In an effort to preserve our cultural heritage for future generations, Union Assurance also plans to create societies in participating schools that will continues these cultural and aesthetic activities.

The 'Pasalen Karaliyata' programme came with rich rewards for the winners and the schools they attend. Not only have the first, second and third place winners received awards for their achievements, their schools became the lucky recipients to win cash awards. These competitions also offer exciting opportunities for participating children.

For example, the officials who were judging the announcing segment of the competition were highly impressed with the children, claiming that some of them are in par with professional announcers. The first, second and third winners even received offers of employment. 'Pasalen Karaliyata' will give the winners the prominence and opportunity to avail themselves of further opportunities.

Union Assurance has received the appreciation of the Ministry of Education, as the company has come forward with a huge sponsorship to ensure the development of this vital subject, which will also pay a part in the reservation of our cultural heritage.

There are many talented children in this country who don't get the opportunity to show their abilities and receive national recognition and this programme will also enable them to get that coverage.