Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has donated more than AED100,000 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.

Abdul Hamid Abdul Fattah Al-Mulla, the UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka, joined the Etihad Airways’ delegation headed by Khaled Al-Mehairbi, SVP, government and aero-political affairs.

The delegation also included Ali Al-Shamsi, VP, Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi hub; Adil Al-Mulla, VP, procurement and supply management; Nadia Bastaki, VP, medical services, and Kumar De Silva, Etihad Airways’ GM 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.