Sri Lanka’s first crowdsourced pandol, this Vesak, by AIA Insurance

31st May 2024: AIA Insurance successfully concluded the AIA Piyavara Pooja, Sri Lanka’s first crowdsourced digital thorana (pandol), held in celebration of Vesak, at the Colombo 07 Buddha Rashmi Vesak Kalapaya. Held for two days on the 23rd and 24th of May, this innovative, first of its kind initiative combined tradition with modern technology, allowing Sri Lankans to actively participate in lighting up the thorana through their personal pledges towards healthier living.

The AIA digital thorana was designed to light up with each pledge made by Sri Lankans to incorporate the simple yet healthy act of walking into their daily routines. In doing so, the event witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 2000 engagements, all pledging to walk at least 8 km a week, thereby taking a positive step towards their own wellbeing. The event also supported a noble cause. Every engagement from the AIA Piyavara Pooja contributed towards a donation to HelpAge Sri Lanka, a non-profit charity dedicated to uplifting the lives of underserved elderly individuals for nearly four decades. HelpAge Sri Lanka supports healthcare, with a special focus on vision, livelihood enhancement, social support, and advocacy programmes. As such, the participants of the Piyavara Pooja were not just able to illuminate the thorana but also light the lives of someone else, this Vesak.

AIA Insurance extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in Sri Lanka’s first crowdsourced digital thorana. The overwhelming participation resulting in the entire thorana lighting up fully on both nights is a testament to the innate kindness and generosity of the hearts of Sri Lankans, which is something we celebrate not just during Vesak but all year round.