Media personality & Actor Danu Innasithamby joins the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society’s RESPONSE initiative to champion kindness, compassion and a new culture of digital giving.
Renowned Sri Lankan media personality, television host and humanitarian advocate Danu Innasithamby has officially signed on as the Ambassador of Humanity for the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society’s RESPONSE Project, marking another significant milestone in his commitment to using his voice and public platform to create meaningful social change.
The official signing took place at Cinnamon Grand Colombo during the launch of RESPONSE, an innovative electronic fundraising initiative introduced by the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS), in partnership with Mastercard and Payable.
The campaign, themed “TAP TO RESPOND,” aims to make humanitarian giving more accessible through convenient digital payment solutions, encouraging individuals, businesses and communities to contribute towards projects that support people in need.
For Danu, who celebrates 25 years in the media and entertainment industry in 2026, this appointment represents an opportunity to extend his influence beyond television screens and digital platforms, inspiring people to embrace compassion and social responsibility.
Speaking about his appointment, Danu said:
“I have always believed that the true value of having a voice is in how we use it to make a difference. Over the past 25 years, the media has given me the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life, and I believe that connection comes with a responsibility.
Being appointed Ambassador of Humanity for the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society is both an honour and a responsibility I take to heart. We live in a world where it is easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget that someone else may be struggling. Sometimes, all it takes is one small act of kindness to change someone’s day, or even their life.
Humanity should never be something we remember only during a crisis. It should be something we practise every single day.”
A special highlight of the partnership is the introduction of RAY, the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society’s new mascot, who will join Danu in taking the campaign’s message to audiences across Sri Lanka.
Designed to represent compassion, positivity and unity, RAY features a heart-shaped form symbolising kindness, while its colourful arms represent diversity and the power of people coming together.
Together, Danu and RAY will work towards making humanitarian values more relatable and engaging, particularly among younger generations.
“I am especially excited about RAY because I believe we need to find creative ways to introduce kindness and empathy to the next generation. If we can make giving back something that young people connect with, understand and enjoy, we are already building a better tomorrow,” Danu added.
Danu’s appointment also builds on his continued involvement in social and humanitarian initiatives, including his work as an Ambassador for World Vision Lanka and his own charitable initiative, Sri Lankan Smile, through which he has supported education, livelihoods and individuals facing difficult circumstances.
His journey from Jaffna to Colombo, and his experiences growing up during Sri Lanka’s years of conflict, have shaped his understanding of resilience, compassion and the importance of standing together during challenging times.
Through his new role, Danu hopes to encourage a wider conversation around the importance of everyday kindness, volunteering and collective responsibility.
The RESPONSE initiative brings together the humanitarian expertise of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society with the digital payment capabilities of Mastercard and Payable, making it easier for the public to support humanitarian projects.
The official launch was held under the patronage of Mr. Jagath Abeysinghe, Senior Vice President of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, and featured the unveiling of RAY, the campaign film, the signing of the Ambassador Agreement and the first donation activation through the Tap & Pay mechanism. Mr. Shashi Madanayake, Chair of the RESPONSE Campaign Committee and Director of Account Management at Mastercard Sri Lanka, also delivered a keynote address.
As Danu begins this new chapter as Ambassador of Humanity, his message remains simple:
“You don’t need to be wealthy to give, famous to make a difference or powerful to change someone’s life. Sometimes, you just need to care. And if each of us can do a little, together we can do something extraordinary.”
With the campaign’s powerful message, “Every Need Deserves a Response,” Danu invites Sri Lankans everywhere to become part of a movement where compassion translates into meaningful action.
TAP TO RESPOND. EVERY NEED DESERVES A RESPONSE.
