As part of its wide-ranging, empathetic response to the Covid-19 crisis, Ideal Motors (Pvt) Ltd has donated a Mahindra Ambulance valued at approximately Rs. Ten million to the Madura Vithana Foundation on 5th September 2021.
The fully-equipped ambulance was handed over by Nalin Welgama, the Founder and Chairman of the Ideal Group to Member of Parliament, Madura Vithana, Founder of the Foundation. The vehicle was donated primarily to enable the Foundation to support the vaccination of persons over 60 years of age and the disabled in the Colombo District.
The donation also coincided with the company’s Founders’ Day, the birthday of Nalin Welgama, the Founder and Chairman of the Ideal Group which was commemorated on 5th September. This ambulance will also support the country’s efforts in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and provide health services to affected citizens expeditiously.
As a company deeply committed and recognized for its series of corporate social welfare initiatives, Ideal Motors (Pvt) Ltd has relentlessly provided assistance during these unprecedented times, supporting vulnerable segments of the population and donating vital equipment.
Ideal Motors (Pvt) Ltd’s relief programme for Covid-19 included donating washing machines and waste bins to the Base Hospital Mulleriyawa which was an urgent requirement, presenting six laptops to the Cardiology Unit of the Colombo National Hospital which were crucial for recording patients’ data, and also providing the Ministry of Health a stock of personal protective clothing and accessories required for health service frontline staff which was handed over by Nalin Welgama to Ministry officials at the Gangarama Temple in Colombo.
In addition, among the social welfare programmes implemented by Ideal Motors are a drinking water project for 1500 severely affected families in the Namalpura area located in the Anuradhapura District, providing drinking water facilities to the school the Thalgaswewa Vidyaravinda Vidyalaya, Nonchchiyagama, in addition to presenting the students with school stationary such as books, bags, shoes and other necessities, constructing the courtyard for the Bo Tree of the Diyapattugama Temple in Kevitiyagala, and offering a Buddha statue while also donating necessary computers to the Diyapaththugama S.A. Welgama Junior School. Furthermore, Mahindra Electric three-wheelers were presented to the Kataragama Temple and the Atamasthanadhipati Thero of the Anuradhapura Temple. To-date, Ideal Motors has spent over Rs 30 million towards their social welfare projects in supporting communities across the island.
Commenting on the company’s social welfare programmes, Nalin Welgama, said, “Founders Day is a special event in the calendar of our company as September 5th marks the inauguration of our business. Over the years the company has engaged in countless social service programmes, however, we have not sought any publicity for our work.”
He added, “The pandemic has affected not only our country but has caused catastrophic results for the whole world. I believe, business leaders need to come forward and support the nation during these challenging times. I request all corporates and their leaders to come together and instead of blaming the government look inwards to see what we can do for our nation. This is our motherland and it is our duty to support the country, especially at this time. We are aware there are several companies that have made vast profits in the last two to three quarters this year due to coronavirus. My humble request is to come forward and dutifully work towards the development of the country.”
Commenting on receiving the ambulance for the Foundation, MP Madura Vithanage said, “We are extremely thankful to Ideal Motors and Nalin Welgama, in providing an ambulance to the Vithana Foundation. Our country is facing a severe shortage of ambulances due to the current corona epidemic. This noble deed will help transport all Public Health Inspection Officers in the Colombo District. We aim to coordinate with the police and the local authorities and ensure that those over 60 years and unable to go to vaccination centers can be visited at home and vaccinated.”
He also stated, “With the corona pandemic, dengue has also raised its ugly head and in coordination with the Public Health Officers, this ambulance will also be used for dengue patients, in addition to carry out Rapid antigen testing and PCR testing. The first phase of using the ambulance has already been planned and activities are being coordinated by the Chief Medical Officer of the Kotte Municipal Council. We are indebted to Nalin Welgama and Ideal Motors, for their exemplary actions in not seeking profits but genuinely coming forward and serving the country through social welfare projects especially in the fight against Covid-19.”
Photo Caption:
Nalin Welgama, Founder and Chairman of Ideal Group presenting the Mahindra Ambulance to MP Madura Vithana, MP. Also present (L:R) Kotte Municipal Councilors Denzil Gamage and Nisha Wasanthi, Dilshan Tennakoon, Head of Sales, Ideal Motors (Pvt) Ltd, Lahiru Silva, Deputy General Manager, Ideal First Choice and Saranga Paranahewa, Product Promotions Manager, Ideal Group.