AIA Insurance celebrates 30 years of lifesaving impact with Poson Safety Programme

AIA Insurance celebrates a significant milestone this year as it marks the 30th anniversary of its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative—the AIA Poson Safety Programme. 

Since its inception in 1993, this lifesaving initiative has played a significant role during Sri Lanka’s Poson season, protecting pilgrims and promoting public safety across the North Central Province. 

This year, the programme will once again be conducted in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, and Mihintale and surrounding regions, deploying over 500 trained lifeguards across 39 lakes and reservoirs. These lifeguards will be stationed at key bathing sites to ensure the safety of thousands of devotees.

Reflecting on the programme’s legacy, AIA Insurance Lanka’s Director/Chief Executive Officer, Chathuri Munaweera emphasised the profound impact of the initiative. 

“This year is incredibly special for us—it’s a reflection of our enduring promise to the people of Sri Lanka. This initiative is deeply rooted in our values, and we are proud to stand by our communities, especially during moments of spiritual reflection and national unity. Our commitment remains as strong today as it was in 1993—to be there for Sri Lankans, not just in times of prosperity, but especially in times of need,” she said.

The programme was born out of a tragic drowning incident in 1992, followed by an increase in drowning accidents, which prompted AIA to take action. In 1993, AIA partnered with the Sri Lanka Life Saving Association, the Sri Lanka Navy, and the Sri Lanka Police to launch a coordinated effort to prevent such tragedies. 

Over the years, the initiative has grown in scale and scope, becoming one of the longest-running and most impactful CSR projects in the country.

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the AIA Poson Safety Programme, AIA Insurance is introducing a series of impactful enhancements aimed at expanding the programme’s reach and deepening its community engagement. 

For the first time, the initiative will extend beyond traditional pilgrimage sites to include other high-risk water zones across the country, ensuring that more Sri Lankans benefit from the programme. This nationwide expansion reflects AIA’s commitment to evolving with the needs of the public and addressing emerging safety concerns in a broader context.