SriLanka’s No.1roofing sheets producer, Rhino Roofing Products Ltd. recently engaged in various Corporate Social Responsibility projects through its CSR Unit. The donation of Chrysotile Cement Roofing Sheets to victims of the gale-force winds in the Moratuwa area was a significant event in these series of projects.
The distribution of these Chrysotile Cement Roofing Sheets under the total sponsorship of Rhino Roofing Products Ltd. took place in Moratuwa on the 29th of October at the request of the Deputy Minister of Public Enterprise Development, Hon.Eran Wickremaratne and the Chief Trustee of the Tyronne Fernando Foundation, Ms.Tehani Matthew who were present at the occasion. The event was graced by Mr.Jude Fernando, Director of Rhino Roofing Products who was invited as the Chief Guest. Around 650 Chrysotile Cement Roofing Sheets worth overRs.1.5million were distributed free of charge to sixty families who were affected by the gale-force winds in Moratuwa.
Speaking at the occasion Hon.Eran Wickremaratne appreciated this act of social service extended to the people of his area. He also said that Rhino Roofing Products has won fame as an institution that takes the lead in providing relief to victims of any natural disaster.
Group Marketing Manager of Rhino Roofing Products Ltd. and coordinator of this project Mr.Priyantha Jayasinghe also participated in this event. Addressing those present Mr. Jayasinghe said, “Around fifty percent of houses in this country have been covered with Chrysotile Cement Roofing Sheets. The fact that 55% of them have used Rhino Chrysotile Cement Roofing Sheets is the best example of our popularity. Our company is not one that expects only profits. We utilize a percentage of our annual income to uplift the living conditions of the people of this country. We have chosen various thematic areas such as health, education and disaster management for these social service projects. Following the tsunami, our company built 50 houses for tsunami victims at the cost of Rs.45million. Additionally, the company has constructed IT Laboratories in ten schools at the cost of Rs.40million. Our company was the first to offer assistance to the people affected by the land slide in the Aranayake area where we built 20 houses for affected families at the cost of Rs.45million. We utilize the money received from the public who purchase our roofing sheets to give back benefits to them.”
“Our products have received SLS certifications as well as international certifications such as ISO. We regularly contribute to the progress of the wood working industry by training carpenters on the construction of roofing for houses. Through the skills acquired during these training programs, house-owners receive a house with better technology.”
Continuing to outline more details about the company, Jayasinghe said, “Rhino Roofing Products is a leading company with over fifty years of experience in the country in manufacturing and distribution of Chrysotile Cement Roofing Sheets. As with other building products, there are safe practices that must be observed in the use of Chrysotile Roofing Sheets as well. Although some have been trying to create unnecessary fear among the people of this country, Chrysotile Roofing Sheets are not in any way harmful to health. Ninety Two percent of Chrysotile Roofing Sheets consist of cement and water and the balance 8% consists of Chrysotile fibre. Chrysotile fibre is a type of rock found on earth that is naturally for med through a combination of magnesium, silica and water. Therefore it is more appropriate to identify it as Cement-Chrysotile Roofing Sheets.”
Several other dignitaries including Mrs.Dulanjalee Premadasa Jayakody, daughter of the late President Ranasinghe Premadasa ;Ms.Shamara Herath, daughter of former minister Harold Herath; former mayors of Moratuwa and several members of provincial councils and pradeshiya sabhas were also present at theceremony.
Mr. Jude Fernando – Director of Rhino Roofing Products Ltd, presenting the official certificate denoting the donation of roofing sheets to Hon. Eran Wickramaratne, Deputy Minister of Public Enterprise Development in the midst of Ms Tehani Matthew -Chief trustee of the Tyrone Fernando Foundation, Ms Dulanjani Premadasa Jayakodi, Ms. Shamara Herath and Mr Priyantha Jayasinghe – Group Marketing Manager of Rhino Roofing Products Ltd.
Mr. Jude Fernando – Director of Rhino Roofing Products Ltd and Hon. Eran Wickramaratne, Deputy Minister of Public Enterprise handing over the Chrysotile Cement Roofing Sheets to victims of the gale-force winds in the Moratuwa area.