Union Assurance Unveils ‘Diabeater’ Movement to Lead the Fight against Diabetes

Union Assurance, Sri Lanka’s longest-standing private Life Insurer, continues to strengthen community well-being through its flagship CSR programme, Suwamaga. Launched in 2024, Suwamaga has entered its third phase with a powerful new nationwide movement, ‘Diabeater’.

The Diabeater movement invites the public to take the ‘Diabeater pledge’, uniting the nation in the fight against diabetes through education, action and community support. The movement was officially launched at Union Assurance’s head office, in the presence of the Company’s staff members.

Becoming a Diabeater involves embracing a holistic, three-pronged approach to health and well-being. First, Diabeaters will be equipped with the necessary tools and resources to take charge of their health. This empowers individuals to make informed lifestyle choices that can help prevent or manage diabetes effectively. Second, participants are encouraged to raise awareness within their communities, sparking conversations about healthier lifestyles and setting an example for others to follow. Finally, the movement seeks to unite the nation, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and collaboration in the fight against diabetes.

Union Assurance’s Chief Executive Officer, Senath Jayatilake, said, “At Union Assurance, we recognise that our responsibility extends beyond providing financial protection—it includes championing the overall well-being of our communities. The ‘Diabeater’ movement reflects our long-term commitment to building a progressive Sri Lanka, where prevention and proactive health choices are prioritised. Through this initiative, we aim to ignite a nationwide effort that unites individuals, families and communities in addressing one of the country’s most pressing health challenges—diabetes. This is not just about today; it is about creating a lasting legacy of well-being for future generations”.

Union Assurance’s Chief Marketing Officer, Mahen Gunarathna, shared his thoughts on the initiative, stating, “As a Company that is deeply committed to empowering the progress of all communities, we launched Suwamaga as part of our ongoing efforts to reduce the incidence of diabetes across Sri Lanka. Diabetes is a health issue that often goes unnoticed, yet it affects a significant portion of the population. Now, through the Diabeater movement, we are calling on all Sri Lankans to take proactive steps toward reducing the risks associated with this condition. We are also empowering individuals to support their communities and contribute to a nationwide movement that has the potential to create a lasting impact”.

Union Assurance is a subsidiary of John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), the largest conglomerate listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, operating with over 80 companies in 7 diverse industry sectors. The Company has completed over three decades of success with a Market Capitalisation of Rs. 36.5 Bn and a Life Fund of Rs. 77.5 Bn as at end December 2024. Set to protect lives and enrich the well-being of all Sri Lankans, Union Assurance offers Life Insurance solutions that cover the health, investment, protection, retirement and education needs of Sri Lankans. With an island-wide branch network and a workforce that is over 4300 strong, Union Assurance continues to invest in people, products and processes with a customer-centric focus to be responsive to emerging changes in the Life Insurance industry.