Dettol, a trusted brand among Sri Lankan households for over 5 decades, joined the national effort to combat and prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus which has engulfed many countries across the world. Under their ‘Clean Hands Clean Nation’ CSR initiative, the brand has so far made a contribution in excess of 3 million rupees towards the campaign by means of installing handwashing units at central locations and donating hygiene products to hospitals.

Following the outbreak of the virus in Sri Lanka in March, Dettol was quick to place community handwash units at central locations frequented by the public with clear visual instructions on proper hand washing techniques to effectively get rid of illness-causing germs. The units were placed at the IDH Hospital, the Colombo National Hospital, the Colombo South Teaching Hospital, the Negombo General Hospital, the Ragama Teaching Hospital, the Marawila Hospital, the Mulleriyawa Hospital and the Anuradhapura Hospital. Additionally, prior to the imposition of the curfew, the brand placed handwash units at public transport locations such as the Fort, Maradana, Gampaha, Dematagoda and Veyangoda railway and bus stations.

Speaking about the initiative, Sinclair Cruse - Commercial Director - Reckitt Benckiser Sri Lanka said, “Being a leader in the Hygiene Product Category in Sri Lanka, Dettol understands its responsibility to society and the brand stands with the nation to help protect its citizens during these difficult times. Under the Dettol Clean Hands Clean Nation initiative we have actioned several activities to curb and prevent the spread of Covid-19 among the public and have allocated a budget of over 3 million rupees towards this cause.”

In addition to installing community handwash units, Dettol has also made a donation of hygiene products such as soaps, liquid handwash, antiseptic liquids and multi surface cleaners to the IDH hospital to upkeep the hygiene and health of the hospital staff and patients. Moreover, the brand, through digital media platforms, is campaigning to educate the community about the importance of hand hygiene as a method to prevent the further spreading of COVID-19.

Shaminda Perera - Head of Marketing - Reckitt Benckiser Sri Lanka speaking about the campaign said, “We believe that prevention is vital given the current circumstances which is why we are focusing a lot of effort towards this cause. As you know, if the present situation escalates it will have a very damaging effect on the health and economic wellbeing of society. This is why we would like to urge the public to exercise their responsibility towards society by practicing hand hygiene and social distancing. We as a brand, will continue to assist the government and relevant authorities in the fight against Covid-19.”