Thursday, March 27, 2025
Etihad Airways has reaffirmed its commitment to social responsibility with a series of impactful community outreach projects in Sri Lanka. These efforts reflect the airline’s dedication to creating positive, lasting change through its broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, focusing on humanitarian aid, educational support, and community empowerment. By addressing key local needs, Etihad is strengthening its bond with the communities it serves while making a difference on a global scale.
“Rooted in Etihad’s core values of unity and community, these efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to bringing people together for a shared purpose. With a firm belief that unity is a catalyst for meaningful progress, Etihad continues to foster collaboration, empower communities, and create a lasting impact wherever we operate.” said Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief People & Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways.
“Etihad’s CSR efforts in Sri Lanka are part of our global commitment to making a positive impact. Last year, the airline’s community and volunteer programmes reached over 290,000 beneficiaries. As the UAE declares 2025 the Year of Community, we are proud to extend our efforts beyond the UAE, supporting communities across our global network,” Dr. Nadia added.
Employees from a variety of departments, including airport services, network operations, guest experience, procurement, and finance, came together with a unified purpose. Collaborating with local partners, they brought these essential projects to life in Colombo and Kandy, showcasing Etihad’s values of teamwork, compassion, and commitment to making a meaningful impact.
In Colombo, Etihad’s humanitarian contributions focused on improving the living conditions at St. Joseph’s Orphanage, a haven for abandoned children. During a heartwarming ceremony, the airline unveiled new dormitories, a kitchen, and a canteen, which are set to significantly enhance the daily lives of the 500 children residing there. In addition, Etihad supplied the children with essential items such as school supplies, blankets, clothing, and amenity bags, ensuring they had access to the resources necessary for their health, education, and overall well-being.
Etihad’s dedication to education also took center stage in Kandy, where it supported Hendeniya School, a facility for orphaned children. The airline contributed to the renovation of classrooms and the establishment of a dedicated IT section, promoting digital literacy and enhancing the learning environment for students and teachers. Future plans include building a library and nursery, which will provide even more opportunities for education and personal development for the next generation of students.
In another demonstration of its commitment to community empowerment, Etihad assisted Hendeniya Mosque in Kandy by funding vital infrastructure improvements. The mosque now boasts an expanded prayer area, a new women’s section, and a state-of-the-art Arabic studies learning center. These additions allow the mosque to better serve its growing community, accommodating over 500 worshippers.
These initiatives exemplify Etihad Airways’ dedication to its CSR pillars—humanitarian aid, education, and community empowerment—by making a tangible difference in the lives of underserved communities in Sri Lanka. By empowering local populations and fostering sustainable development, Etihad is helping pave the way for a brighter future.
In celebration of the Holy Month of Ramadan, Etihad Airways has launched these initiatives as a reflection of its core values of generosity, compassion, and unity. Through these actions, Etihad continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to social responsibility, making a lasting impact on the lives of those in need and reinforcing its role as a global leader in community development.
