Tucked away on Hospital Road in Maharagama, just opposite the Apeksha Hospital, stands a place where children battling life-threatening illnesses are reminded that they still have the right to dream.Behind its soft grey walls and surrounding greenery, Indira Cancer Trust quietly transforms lives—not only through medical and emotional care but now, through the power of a wish.
On World Wish Day, Sri Lanka officially joined nearly 50 countries across the globe in launching Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka, a programme powered by Indira Cancer Trust and dedicated to fulfilling the heartfelt wishes of children with critical illnesses—bringing moments of joy, strength, and healing when they’re needed most.
A Father’s Promise
The Trust was founded in 2016 by Karu Jayasuriya, former Speaker of Parliament, in memory of his beloved daughter Indira, who passed away from breast cancer. In the face of unimaginable personal loss, he made a quiet promise: to create a space where others would not have to walk the journey of illness alone.
Today, Indira Cancer Trust is one of the country’s leading centres of cancer support, offering over 20 free services ranging from medical and transport assistance to nutrition, counselling, livelihood support, palliative care—and now, wish granting. The addition of Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka is a continuation of this legacy of compassion: a reminder that amidst hardship, children can still hope, dream, and smile.
A Cricket Wish: Matheesha’s Moment
Eight-year-old Matheesha is full of life—and loves cricket. His greatest wish was to own a tablet, not for games, but to explore, learn, and re-watch his favourite matches.
But what happened went far beyond the tablet.
In a moment orchestrated by Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka, Angelo Mathews, one of Sri Lanka’s most admired cricketers, surprised Matheesha by personally handing over the tablet—along with words of encouragement and a heartfelt smile. For Matheesha, that day was not just about receiving a gift. It was about being seen, uplifted, and reminded that dreams do come true.
A Wish in Harmony: Rasindu’s Dream
Thirteen-year-old Rasindu finds peace in music. His constant companion through treatment has been the voice of his favourite singer, Amisha Minol, whose songs brought him strength on the hardest days.
His only wish was to meet the person behind the music.
And then one day, there he was—standing before him, smiling, ready to turn his wish into reality. As Amisha gently spoke with him, the joy on Rasindu’s face said it all. It was not a concert. It was not a performance. It was something far deeper—a moment of recognition, connection, and pure happiness.
More than a programme—A philosophy
At Indira Cancer Trust, Make-A-Wish is not a luxury. It is an expression of care. While ICT continues to support children with medicine, investigations, and practical help, a wish is the extra step—the emotional lift that says, you matter.
And our children’s wishes aren’t grand or out of reach. They are beautifully simple: to meet a hero, to own a toy, to eat their favourite food again. And every wish is prepared with quiet, loving attention by a team that leaves no detail untouched.
Because that’s how we do things at Indira Cancer Trust—not just with efficiency, but with heart.
To the stars, leaders, and Wish Makers of Sri Lanka
If you are a film star, singer, cricketer, artist, entrepreneur, or politician—you may one day hear from us. Not for the spotlight. Not for publicity. But because you are a child’s wish.
And when you give even a few minutes of your time, you don’t just make a dream come true. You change a life.
Come and See What hope looks like
We invite you to see it for yourself.
Visit us at Indira Cancer Trust, No. 63, Hospital Road, Maharagama, and experience firsthand the work being done—inside a building designed not for illness, but for healing. See how resilience, joy, and care come together under one roof.
To support, volunteer, or learn more, call us on 0112 363211 or visit
www.makeawishsrilanka.orig
Dr Lanka Jayasuriya-Dissanayakas
Chairperson
Indira Cancer Trust