UNICEF, Sampath Bank empowers vulnerable families and caretakers

UNICEF and Sampath Bank PLC came together to form a ground-breaking partnership aimed to deliver critical support to nearly 120,000 vulnerable mothers and caretakers with young children facing challenges accessing proper nutrition and healthcare services amidst the prevailing economic crisis in Sri Lanka.

This collaboration aims to address the pressing needs of those who are most affected, emphasising the importance of compassion and collective action between humanitarian organizations and corporates during trying times.

Before the crisis, available statistics indicated that numerous children and families in Sri Lanka were living in vulnerable conditions. Recent data proved that poverty and vulnerability have escalated over the past three years. Numbers from 2019 reveal that 42.2 per cent of children aged 0-4 years old are experiencing multidimensional poverty, with more than one-third of them suffering from underweight or stunted growth. New government data show the dramatic consequences of the crisis, with malnutrition levels in children aged 6-59 months increasing from 13.2 per cent in 2021 to 19.8 per cent in 2022.

In recognition of the urgent situation, leveraging its expertise in the financial sector, Sampath Bank has taken on a pivotal role in this partnership by developing an independent payment gateway system exclusively for this purpose.

With the touch of a button, UNICEF can initiate cash deposits to beneficiary accounts, ensuring swift and efficient assistance reaches those in need. As a responsible banking and financial organisation deeply rooted in the people of Sri Lanka, Sampath Bank’s active involvement emphasises its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for future generations.

Sampath Bank PLC Managing Director Ayodhya Iddawela Perera said; “Sampath Bank is extremely honoured to be able to partner with UNICEF to address the pressing concern of child malnutrition in Sri Lanka. We will play the important role of ‘Facilitating Banker’ to effect smooth disbursements of the humanitarian funds to beneficiaries of UNICEF in BULK CEFT modality via our Corporate Front-end ‘Sampath Vishwa Corporate’ with reconciliation assistance as well.”

Under this programme, mothers and caretakers of young children born between May 1 2021 and December 31 2022 in the identified districts are eligible to benefit.

To qualify, the mother or caretaker must be a resident of the selected priority districts, including Puttalam, Anuradhapura, Monaragala, Kegalle, Kilinochchi, and Mullaitivu. Each eligible mother or caretaker receives a monthly cash transfer per eligible child for a period of up to four months. This will help to alleviate the financial burdens and empower families to provide their children with the necessary nutrition and care.