GNRC Member Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement continues to offer support to the less fortunate amid the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, Sarvodaya has introduced its COVID-19 Relief Services that aim to respond to COVID-19 emergencies in Colombo and its environs.
The Sarvodaya Emergency COVID-19 Relief Helpline Services, which started on 1st May 2021, has continuously operated since its inception from 8.00am to 8.00pm through its emergency call service (+91 720101010). Some members of staff from Sarvodaya have been tasked to manage the call center to respond to the emergency needs. Majority of the calls being received are to provide directions to quarantine centers, provide ambulance services, and receive essential dry rations.
Another important aspect of the relief service is providing psychological support to victims of the pandemic. The pandemic has resulted to loss of jobs, businesses, and even loss of lives; and this has had detrimental effects on the lives of Sri Lankans. Sarvodaya has introduced psychotherapy sessions, working with psychologists to help people with various mental illnesses and emotional difficulties brought about by the pandemic. The sessions are a step towards increasing their wellbeing and healing. The therapy sessions have helped individuals cope with daily life challenges and adjust to the impact of the pandemic, including loss of their loved ones, and specific mental disorders, like depression or anxiety.
Relief services and community awareness activities are being implemented side by side by Sarvodaya Suwodaya Community Service Mobile Unit to prevent the spread of the disease. This concept was developed Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, President of Sarvodaya Shramdana Movement. The Mobile Unit travels across the island, educating and raising awareness amongst urban and rural communities amidst COVID-19 restrictions to help the community stay safe and be protected from this pandemic.
With the exponential increase in the number of COVID-19 patients brought by the third wave, the Sarvodaya COVID-19 Emergency Relief Service continues to assist in the primary prevention measures across the community. Special goes thanks to the Sarvodaya COVID-19 Emergency Relief Service team for striving in their outreach.
