Janashakthi Insurance announced that it has received over 400 flood related claims so far since the onslaught of the torrential rains. The total amounts to approximately Rs. 150 Mn.

Of these 300 were motor claims, while the balance 100 claims were non-motor (buildings, houses, livestock, property, stores etc). The Company is currently in the process of speedily assessing, processing and expediting payment for all of these claims.

Janashakthi’s General Manager- Insurance Dayalanie Abeygunawardana said that the Janashakthi team got down to work immediately and was literally working round the clock to assess the damage and process the claims. “Settling these claims immediately is a top priority for us.  As a responsible corporate, we understand the trauma the people are undergoing …… hence the dire urgency to honour those claims”.

The torrential rains have rendered nearly 450,000 people homeless. The precise extent of the damage to property has still not been quantified since most places are yet unreachable. Mrs. Abeygunawardana however affirmed that the most number of claims came from the Colombo, Panadura, Galle, Negombo, Kelaniya, Elpitiya and Gampaha areas.

With the recent catastrophe, she said that it would be prudent for both the public and businesses to rethink their insurance options. “With the recent unfortunate events, and with more such expected to happen, one would need to think of adding on  covers, such as flood, natural disaster etc, and thus prepare for unforeseen disaster”.

Mr. Hemantha Dambadeniya - Senior Motor Engineer said that in the event of a vehicle getting stuck in flood waters one should always remember never to start the engine. “It is critical that you tow your vehicle to safer ground and remove the plugs/injectors prior to seeking help”, he added.

Janashakthi Insurance the 3rd largest general insurer in Sri Lanka has gone on record as having paid out 84,553 claims amounting over Rs. 2.6 Billion in claims during 2009. The Company has already paid Rs. 724,207,360/- as against 22,376 claims for Q1 2010. Janashakthi paid in excess of Rs. 14 Bn over the last five years reflecting a steady increase in claim payments. Figures reveal Rs. 5 Bn in 2005, Rs. 2.13 Bn in 2006, Rs. 2.34 in 2007 and Rs. 2.36 Bn in 2008.