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NDB Bank combats child abuse

Child Rights Probation Officer Ms. Sandya K. Wijerathnemenike, (Mahara Divisional Secretariat) speaks at an awareness program.

NDB Bank through its CSR initiative - the Prevention of Child Abuse Trust, together with the Department of Probation and Child Care has initiated a series of programs to reduce child abuse over the years by educating children and parents. The Trust is headed by a group of independent trustees, which include Eran Wickramaratne, CEO of NDB Bank, and the Commissioner of the Probation and Child Care Services Department, Sarath Abeygunawardena, who serve as ex-officio trustee.

During the course of the past few years, the Trust has conducted several Child Abuse prevention and awareness programs in various parts of the island for parents, school principals, teachers and even students. This program is being continued this year, and over 600 parents have participated so far. They were instructed about various forms of abuse and the constituents of child maltreatment.

The parents are given advice on what steps could be taken to prevent abuse, and how to identify any such incidents. The program also encourages parents and educates them on how to build stronger relations with their children to ensure open communication and build trust. Real life case studies are presented to participants to create a deeper understanding of the issues involved and the serious long-term physical and psychological impacts of child abuse.

The Prevention of Child Abuse Trust aims at building awareness about child abuse as well as to provide aid and inspire hope in the lives of those who have been affected by child abuse. Caring for the community is an integral part of NDB Bank’s corporate values.

While aspiring to operate at the highest ethical standards and following socially and environmentally responsible business practices, NDB Bank has over the years, committed itself to several social responsibility initiatives.

New eye package from Golden Key Eye and ENT hospital

The Golden Key Eye and ENT hospital, launched a new comprehensive Eye Package.

The package includes a basic eye examination, an eye pressure check, measurement of central corneal thickness and an optic nerve scan which will be done using the latest scanning methods available worldwide.

Dr. Saliya Pathirana operates the Argon-Yag Laser Unit at the Golden Key Eye and ENT hospital.

Managing Director and Chief Consultant Eye Surgeon at the hospital Dr. Saliya Pathirana said, “Routine eye examination is important for everyone regardless of age or physical health. Adults need to check their eyes to keep their prescriptions current as well as to check for early signs of eye disease, while children should be taken to examine their eyes to ensure normal vision development.” He said that some conditions such as Glaucoma have very few symptoms and can begin without a person noticing that anything is wrong with his or her eyes. If discovered early, such conditions can be successfully treated.

He said that often serious damage has been done by the time the symptoms are detected and this can even lead to blindness.

The hospital said that all the basic eye examinations are carried out by fully qualified Consultant Eye Surgeons using state-of-the-art equipment.

“The Golden Key hospital conducts investigations, treatment and surgeries under one roof,” Dr. Pathirana said. These include cataract, retinal and glaucoma surgery (Trabeculectomy), and laser treatments making it the most advanced facility of its kind in the country.

The Hospital has three theatres to treat patients and conducts specialized Glaucoma and squint clinics.

Maliban has introduced three new cracker biscuits - the Maliban Vegy Cracker, the Maliban Classic Cracker and the Maliban Fun Cracker. These three innovative products were introduced to the Sri Lankan market last week. The Maliban Vegy Cracker is vegy flavoured, the Maliban Classic Cracker is rich in butter taste and the Maliban Fun Cracker with a totally new and different “fun” taste are the newest additions to the Sri Lankan cracker market. Here Marketing Manager (Innovations/International Marketing) Hashan Haputhanthri and CEO (Sales and Marketing) of Maliban Biscuit Manufactories Limited Ravi Jayawardena at the launch.