Etihad Airways Empowers Communities In Sri Lanka Through Education And Welfare Initiatives

Etihad Air Supports Sri Lankan Communities

Demonstrating its steadfast dedication to social responsibility outside aviation, Etihad Airways has initiated a range of impactful community outreach programs in Sri Lanka. These initiatives are central to the airline’s extensive Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, which focuses on humanitarian assistance, education, and community empowerment, promoting significant and lasting change in the communities it supports.

“Rooted in Etihad’s core values of unity and community, these efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to bringing people together for a shared purpose. With a firm belief that unity is a catalyst for meaningful progress, Etihad continues to foster collaboration, empower communities, and create a lasting impact wherever we operate." said Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief People & Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways.

“Etihad’s CSR efforts in Sri Lanka are part of our global commitment to making a positive impact. Last year, the airline’s community and volunteer programmes reached over 290,000 beneficiaries. As the UAE declares 2025 the Year of Community, we are proud to extend our efforts beyond the UAE, supporting communities across our global network,” Dr. Nadia added.

Employees from different divisions of Etihad—like airport services, network operations, e-commerce, financial reporting, operations, guest experience, and procurement—came together with a shared objective, showcasing the airline’s core value of unity for a common purpose. By working closely with local engineering partners, they transformed these major projects into reality in Colombo and Kandy.

Etihad, in line with its humanitarian efforts, supported St. Joseph’s Orphanage in Colombo, a shelter for abandoned children. During a touching ceremony, Etihad Airways officially opened new dormitory, kitchen, and canteen facilities, greatly enhancing the living conditions for the 500 children who live there. The airline also supplied essential items such as amenity bags, school supplies, blankets, and clothing, ensuring that the children had access to necessary goods for their well-being and growth.

In Kandy, Etihad strengthened its dedication to education by aiding Hendeniya School for orphaned children. The airline funded improvements to the school’s infrastructure, such as renovating classrooms and establishing a specialized IT section to enhance digital literacy. These enhancements aim to significantly benefit both students and teachers. Upcoming initiatives involve creating a library and nursery, providing additional educational resources for future generations.

In line with its commitment to community empowerment, Etihad has assisted Hendeniya Mosque in Kandy by enhancing essential infrastructure. The mosque boasts a newly constructed women’s section, an Arabic studies learning center, and an enlarged prayer area that can hold over 500 worshippers.

Through these initiatives, Etihad Airways reinforces its vision of connecting communities and fostering positive change across borders. Dedicated to its essential CSR pillars of humanitarian assistance, education, and community empowerment, Etihad strives to uplift underserved populations, enabling them to create a brighter and more sustainable future.