The competition fosters the creative skills of the children of Vajira Shri Rehabilitation Home Kotte, Sri Lankadara Society Wellawatte, Lauries Girls Home Borella, Yashodara Nivasa Ratmalana, Sri Sangamitta Balika Nivasa Kohuwela and the children’s ward of the Cancer Hospital Maharagama along with HSBC staff.

The Vesak Lantern competition has been a tradition at HSBC for the past six years. Staff have worked tirelessly with the children at these homes over the past few weeks and together have constructed the lanterns that will be on display to the public at the HSBC branch at 123, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 4. The panel of judges will select the most creative and the most traditional lanterns.

Staff members too are very enthusiastic about the entire experience. In addition to getting the chance to put their creative energies to work, they also appreciate the opportunity to spend time with the children. "It’s not about us or the bank," said one member of staff. The children really look forward to spending time with us and we enjoy it, especially since we’ve built a rapport with them over the years.