Chevron Sri Lanka in white cane day initiative

Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC joined the Sri Lanka Federation of the Visually Handicapped (SLFVH) mark International White Cane Day through its local initiative - “Give me your eyes…..give me an opportunity to ‘see’ the world as you see it”. Commemorating this special occasion Chevron joins the SLFVH and over 1000’s of their visually impaired members in the traditional “White Cane Walk” from the Vihara Maha Devi Park to the Public Library in Colombo.

“We join the Sri Lanka Federation for the Visually Handicapped today to commemorate International White Cane Day” says Mr. Kishu Gomes, CEO/Managing Director of Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC. “Through this project we aim to create awareness amongst the general community encouraging greater assistance to support the activities and endeavours of this special group of people.”

At this time, Chevron distributed 1000 white umbrellas, provided financial assistance for selected persons for self employment projects and made a donation that will assist in the renovation of the SLFVH Rehabilitation Centre for the Handicapped in Annuradhapura.

“At this years celebrations, White Umbrellas will replace the traditional White Canes which is part of Chevron’s Global initiative which has been fully supported by the Federation” says Mr. Imal Fonseka, Director / General Manager for Chevron in Sri Lanka.

“This change was made to better assist and support the needs of this very special group of people.”
According to Chevron “As an organisation fully committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity, we have used this occasion to support 50 visually impaired persons fund self employment projects to encourage an inclusive work environment that would enable all individuals to actively participate and contribute effectively in the community.”

“We have also committed ourselves to assist in the development of the SLFVH Rehabilitation Centre for the Handicapped in Anuradhapura. Lacking in Rehabilitation facilities in the country, the Federation with the assistance of Chevron will construct a new centre supported with necessary equipment and facilities for the visually impaired community in the country.”

Self employment project contributions, presentation to the members of the School for the Blind Ratmalana Band and a donation towards the SLFVH Rehabilitation Centre in Anuradhapura were ceremonially distributed at the White Cane day celebrations by the Hon. Minister Dallas Alahapperuma, Minister of Transport and Highways.

In a prelude to this event, a ceremonial handing over of White Canes took place at the office of the Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake in the presence of SLFVH members and the Management of Chevron on the International White Cane Day – 15th October 2007. Also the organisation has made special endeavours throughout this White Cane Day initiative to encourage the support and conscious effort of the general public in celebrating the achievements of the visually impaired across the globe.

Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC has been associated with the Deaf and Blind community of Sri Lanka for many years through its many social responsibility projects aimed at uplifting their living standards.

In 2002 the organisation came forward as the Deaf School Sports partner supporting them in netball, cricket and volleyball as a means to create opportunities for differently-abled children to display their talents in the sporting arena.

The organisation has also conducted numerous projects involving the Deaf and Blind schools around the country with funds for the purchase of equipment and assistance to upgrade their premises and facilities. “We continue to manage this relationship to ensure that benefits are derived by needy children and to provide them with a more conducive learning environment” says the organisation.

Chevron Sri Lanka has also supported the Sri Lanka Council of Visually Handicapped Graduates with the completion and expansion of their facilities and office complex in Colombo.
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