Etihad Airways organizes charity visit to Sri Lanka

(MENAFN- Arab News) Etihad Airways the national airline of the UAE has donated more than AED100000 to underprivileged communities in Sri Lanka.

A delegation from Etihad Airways visited Sri Lanka this week to present the donation raised through a series of charitable initiatives in Abu Dhabi.

Abdul Hamid Abdul Fattah Al-Mulla the UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka joined the Etihad Airways' delegation headed by Khaled Al-Mehairbi SVP government and aero-political affairs.

The delegation also included Ali Al-Shamsi VP Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi hub; Adil Al-Mulla VP procurement and supply management; Nadia Bastaki VP medical services and Kumar De Silva Etihad Airways' GM in Sri Lanka along with the airline's Colombo-based staff.

The two-day program included the official opening of the Maha Vidyalaya School in Alankuda which was fully rebuilt with funds raised by the Abu Dhabi based airline. The school benefits 1500 students who received care packages with school bags stationery shirts blankets dates and clothes.

Khaled Al-Mehairbi who also serves as chairman of Etihad Airways' sports and social committee said: 'As the UAE flag carrier we are committed to giving back to those in need. We are extremely proud to play a part in helping these students pursue their studies and hope that our visit will help raise awareness of global education and at the same time celebrate our eleven years of operations in Sri Lanka.

'This donation represents the kindness and generosity of our staff and partners as well as the wider community in Abu Dhabi who participated in this community initiative.'

The visit also included the official launch of a new women's clinic at the District Kalpitiya Hospital in Puttalam located north west of Colombo.

Etihad Airways funded the establishment and refurbishment of the new clinic to improve health and wellness of women in rural areas.