Allianz Lanka has conducted its third annual road safety initiative, distributing child safety helmets to students in 25 cities. The campaign aims to reduce the risk of injuries among schoolchildren who travel on motorcycles, often without helmets. The distribution, which took place in August 2024, saw 1,200 helmets provided to children, adding to the 1,500 helmets distributed in 2022 and 1,000 in 2023.
This year’s initiative was supported by the Sri Lanka Police while HHCo Industries donated 200 helmets towards this initiative. Allianz Lanka identified beneficiaries and ensured the proper use of the helmets through ongoing monitoring by the Sri Lanka Police. The programme also included a road safety awareness campaign aimed at educating students about safe practices on the road.
Ranga Dias, Chief Distribution Officer at Allianz Lanka, said, “Allianz Lanka is deeply committed to the safety and well-being of Sri Lankan children. Our partnership with the Sri Lanka Police underscores our shared dedication to creating safer roads for all. By distributing 1,200 helmets this year across 25 cities, we aim to equip school children with essential protection and contribute to a culture of road safety. Allianz is dedicated to making a difference in diverse communities through the expansion of our CSR programmes and we believe that this initiative, along with our other ongoing efforts, will significantly reduce the risk of accidents involving children.”
The children’s safety helmet distribution programmes were held as follows:
On August 26, the programme took place in Dehiattakandiya, Kottawa, Aluthgama, Nawalapitiya, Wellawaya, Vavuniya, Chilaw, Embilipitiya, and Kadawatha. On August 28, events were held in Batticaloa, Panadura, Matara, Kandy, Badulla, Chawakachcheri, Negombo, and Avissawella. The final distribution on August 29 covered Polonnaruwa, Piliyandala, Tangalle, Pilimathalawa, Bandarawela, Akkaraipattu, Kuliyapitiya, and Hanwella. Each branch hosted a formal event to distribute helmets and emphasize the importance of road safety.
DIG of Sri Lanka Police, Indika Hapugoda, said, “This partnership with Allianz Lanka is a testament to our shared responsibility for the safety of our children. While the number of fatalities resulting from motorcycle accidents decreased from 1,314 to 1,177 between 2022 and 2023, the overall number of motorcycle accidents increased. The total number of motorcycle accidents, encompassing incidents resulting in fatalities, serious injuries, minor injuries, and property damage, rose to 12,556 in 2023 compared to 2022. By providing helmets and promoting road safety, we are building a stronger and safer Sri Lanka for generations to come. We are proud to partner with Allianz Lanka on this important initiative.”
Allianz Insurance Lanka Ltd. and Allianz Life Insurance Lanka Ltd., collectively known as Allianz Lanka, are fully-owned subsidiaries of Allianz SE, a global financial services provider headquartered in Munich, Germany. Allianz SE operates primarily in insurance and asset management. Allianz is also recognized globally as the ‘World’s No.1 Insurance Brand’ by Interbrand and Brand Finance. Allianz Lanka leverages the global strength and stability of its parent company, alongside local expertize, to meet the needs of its customers in Sri Lanka.