Tourism & Hospitality | Wednesday 11 February, 2015 3:27 pm |

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has donated more than UAE dirhams 100,000 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.

His Excellency Abdul Hamid Abdul Fattah Al Mulla the UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka joined the Etihad Airways’ delegation headed by Khaled Al Mehairbi, Senior Vice President of Government and Aero-political Affairs. The delegation also included Ali Al Shamsi, Vice President of Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Hub, Adil Al Mulla Vice President Procurement and Supply Management, Dr Nadia Bastaki, Vice President Medical Services and Kumar De Silva, Etihad Airways’ General Manager 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 1,500 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 and increase awareness of the importance of the early detection of breast cancer.

The airline’s Guest Services team donated UAE Dirhams 50,000 raised through various charitable initiatives and activities during 2014. Blankets were also distributed to in-house patients.

Khaled Al Mehairbi said: “I would like to thank the Guest Services team for their generosity. Etihad Airways provides ongoing support for many initiatives aimed at improving the health and welfare of working women and children. We look toward to working closely with the hospital in the future.”

The delegation concluded its trip with a visit to St Joseph Orphanage in Colombo where more than 500 children received care packages made up of blankets, clothes and toys.

“We are happy that our donations put a smile on the faces of our children and friends in Sri Lanka. Our special thanks go to all parties who supported the success of this trip including The Red Crescent, The UAE Embassy in Sri Lanka, the Etihad Airways’ team, Abu Dhabi Police, Immigration Department at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Abu Dhabi Airports Companies’ staff (ADAC), and Etihad staff at Abu Dhabi International Airport,” Khaled Al Mehairbi concluded.



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Photo captions:

1. Etihad Airways’ cabin crew with children and their mothers at Puttalam Hospital.

2. Etihad Airways’ cabin crew in front of Etihad Women Clinic funded by Etihad staff.

3. Etihad Airways’ delegation was received by a school band at Maha Vidyalaya School in Alankuda

4. From Left to Right Ali Al Shamsi, Vice President of Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Hub, His Excellency Abdul Hamid Al Mulla the UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Khaled Al Mehairbi Senior Vice President of Government and Aero-political Affairs, an Dr Nadia Bastaki, Vice President Medical Services distributing gifts among students in Maha Vidyalaya School.

5. Adil Al Mulla Vice President Procurement and Supply Management, Ali Al Shamsi, Vice President of Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Hub and crew with students at Maha Vidyalaya School in Alankuda

6. Etihad Airways’ crew with happy children and their families in Maha Vidyalaya School.

7. Etihad Airways’ delegation with H.E. Abdul Hamid Al Mulla the UAE Ambassador to Sri lanka , Kumar De Silva Etihad Airways’ General Manager in Sri Lanka and Colombo staff receiving an appreciation certificate from school management.

8. From left to right: Etihad Airways’ cabin crew, sisters working at Saint Joseph Orphanage, HE Excellency Abdul Hamid Al Mulla the UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Etihad Airways ‘ delegation, and children at St Joseph Orphanage garden.