HSBC towards betterment of differently abled

HSBC, currently working towards the betterment of the differently abled persons in Sri Lanka has taken several steps to uplift the current standing and celebrated the International Day of Disabled Persons.

The project "Access for All" was launched to create an environment that is accessible to all with the guidance of Dr. Ajith C.S. Perera, Secretary General of Idiriya. With his valuable guidance, HSBC Premier center and the entrance to the Colpetty branch were modified.

Subsequently Kohuwela, Moratuwa and Pelawatte branches were revamped with specially designed accessible pathways, modified toilet facilities and incorporation of special features and clear signage, to facilitate convenience to those with reduced mobility.

The bank's pledge to bring the differently abled to the forefront was further demonstrated by the St Joseph's School for the Deaf initiative. Language development programmes, Higher Education sponsorships, recruitment of past pupils of the school to HSBC and HDPL, donating of hearing aids, sponsorship of the annual prize giving and concerts were amongst many other projects carried out by the bank.

Four past pupils of the school recruited by HSBC, has now been absorbed to the permanent cadre from October 2006.

Isuru, the wonder boy who obtained best ordinary level results amongst deaf schools, having no proper means to pursue higher education in the field of mathematics, is also sponsored by HSBC until August 2008.

Special education programmes combined with third party affiliations were mainly targeted towards teachers to enhance their teaching capabilities. Providing hearing aids regularly when requested and distribution of schoolbooks are some of the ongoing projects at the moment.