largest project undertaken by the Indira Cancer Trust,  complementing over 20 existing programmes

Death is a universal experience; it is the only certainty that accompanies our birth. Birth brings joy, yet death brings sorrow, reflecting the complex emotions tied to life’s inevitable events. I begin with death, because it was such an incident that led to the birth of an organization dedicated to cancer patients.

The Indira Cancer Trust is named after Indira Jayasuriya, the daughter of former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya. Indira was a mother, sister, wife, and daughter. When my younger sister, Indira, passed away peacefully in a hospital bed in London, surrounded by her family, we found peace knowing she had a comfortable and pain-free end. Her life was far too short at just 40, leaving behind a young family—a son of one year, a daughter of four years, and a devoted husband. My sister Indira prepared her family for her departure, ensuring her children would never forget her.

Amidst our grief, the Indira Cancer Trust was born—filled with hope. Hope for patients, families, and a future of strength and comfort for those battling cancer. Today, June 29th, marks the first anniversary of Suwa Arana - A Place for Healing. This is the largest project undertaken by the Indira Cancer Trust, complementing over 20 existing programmes, including a helpline,

livelihood support, wig donations, educational scholarships, and assistance with medicine, investigations, transportation, and even funerals. 

Our journey began in a small room on Hospital Road with just two programmes. Today, we support cancer patients, both adults and children, and their families with a wide range of services. Our strength lies in our team, our volunteers, our staff, and our coordinators, who have been with us for eight years, leading and managing various programmes. We all share a common belief in creating a healing environment for anyone who walks through our doors.

Suwa Arana is not a hospital, hospice, or a ward. It is a home—a home for children and their families, providing the love, care, and compassion needed during their healing journey. This journey also transforms us as a team, as we witness families’ trials, tribulations, and moments of joy. They enlighten us, teaching us resilience and adding value to our lives. Since opening in June 2023, we have welcomed over 600 children and 2,000 family members. 

Each has a unique story, and as we spend time with them, we grow together. At Suwa Arana, we provide accommodation, food, relaxation, education, transportation, medicine, and livelihood support to help families become economically stable when they return home. We emphasize the importance of family, encouraging them to spend time together. It is heart-wrenching to hear that some children have not seen a parent or sibling for months. The joy on their faces when families reunite for a weekend at our facility is immeasurable. Our rooms, with pull-out beds and rainbow-themed decor, are designed to foster these precious moments.

As a team, we experience emotional turmoil when we lose a child. Though death is inevitable, losing a child is particularly hard to accept. At Suwa Arana, we create happy memories that extend beyond death, providing comfort to the parents. The children refer to our facility as the “Indira Hotel,” loving their rooms and the food, often not wanting to leave.
Cancer is a harsh reality, especially when it affects children. We have seen children as young as two months come through our doors. While many return home, some do not get that chance. Suwa Arana is more than just a children’s cancer centre; it is meticulously designed to foster an atmosphere of healing. We are immensely grateful to our dedicated team and supporters who made this possible, even amid Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, COVID, and political upheaval.

One year on, we look back with pride. A building is meaningless without matching services, and we are blessed with a dedicated team and their support. We invite you to visit this place of healing. There is so much you can do. Life passes by in seconds, with its busy schedules and competing priorities. Yet, we urge you to do something for others without any expectations. Nothing can match the feeling you get from this. Visit us, connect with us—this is a happy place, and there is much you can do to make a difference.

Fresh play room with all the comforts

Even the toys are happy

Comfortable and clean