Rainforest Alliance extends support to hospitals in Nuwara Eliya and Bulathsinhala

Anisha Rajapakse - Global Board Director, Rainforest Alliance, Dr. Madhuri Nanda - Director South Asia, Rainforest Alliance and Dr. Mahendra Seneviratne – Director, Nuwara Eliya District Hospital at the handing over of medical equipment

The Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, and resulting supply chain disruptions have created a tremendous strain and a destructive impact on tea industry, especially on smallholders and women-led farmers in Sri Lanka. 

These challenges continue despite the slowing down of the pandemic spread. Vulnerable communities require targeted support – both financial and other forms to cope with the ‘new normal’ that they are facing. 

The Rainforest Alliance has donated vital medical equipment to hospitals in Nuwara Eliya and Bulathsinhala which most of the smallholder tea growers and plantation workers employed by Rainforest Alliance certified tea plantations access for their health and medical needs. 

This level of support and strengthening of capacities will enable the hospitals to effectively respond towards the treatment and care of communities in the area for Covid-19. 

The Rainforest Alliance remains strongly committed towards protecting and safeguarding the well-being of its stakeholders in these unprecedented times; and hopes that this level of long-term strengthening of capacities will help the small tea growers and plantation communities receive uninterrupted medical services throughout the current and future challenges they may face.