In a heartwarming celebration of hope, Make-A-Wish® Sri Lanka celebrates its official launch as a licensed territory of Make-A-Wish International. The launch coincides with World Wish Day, marking the anniversary of the wish that inspired the global Make-A-Wish movement 45 years ago. As a service administered by the Indira Cancer Trust, Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka aims to bring joy and positivity to children battling critical illnesses by granting heartfelt wishes that inspire hope, strength, and resilience.
Research underscores the benefits of wish-granting as a therapeutic complement for children undergoing treatment. A wish experience has been shown to improve physical, emotional, and social well-being while inspiring hope and optimism. In fact, 97% of wish children and 95% of their parents agreed that a wish experience is important for every eligible child with a critical illness.[1]
Make-A-Wish International is now present across almost 50 countries and territories around the world. Since its inception, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 615,000 wishes worldwide, transforming the lives of children and their families. “We are excited to welcome Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka to our global family and to be partnering with the local charity Indira Cancer Trust to expand our presence in Asia” said Luciano Manzo, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish International, adding, “Each new Territory allows us to reach even more children who are in need of the transformative power of a wish. This launch is a testament to the incredible dedication of local volunteers, donors, and partners who believe in the impact of a wish. Together, we can restore childhood to children facing critical illnesses in Sri Lanka.”
“We believe that wishes can be powerful medicine. In granting a wish, we not only create smiles, but we also help foster the belief that anything is possible,” said Patron Indira Cancer Trust Sri Lanka abimanya Mr Karu Jayasuriya former speaker of the Sri Lanka Parliament. “The launch of Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka is a significant milestone for us, and we are excited to collaborate with dedicated volunteers, local communities, and healthcare professionals to fulfill wishes that will leave a lasting impact on the lives of these courageous children.”
Ramesh Jayasekara, Director/CEO of Seylan Bank PLC which is the banking partner, and the very first corporate to partner with the initiative added, “Our every endeavor as the Bank with a Heart has always been to transform lives for the better. Our collaboration with Indira Cancer Trust and Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka, is a crucial step in this direction, because it allows us to make a difference in the lives of entire families, as they navigate their way through critical illnesses. Our greatest hope as we embark on this journey is that we may enrich the lives of these children and hold their hands to let them know they’re heard and loved.”
The Indira Cancer Trust is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with cancer and their families through holistic medical care, emotional support, and resources. By including Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka as a service, they intend to enhance their ability to provide emotional and psychological upliftment, which is crucial during challenging treatment phases.
We thank the Lions International for their continued support and dedication to enhance the lives of children and families affected by cancer. We are grateful for their generous financial support in the construction of the Make-A-Wish Multi-Purpose Room.
This special space now serves as a hub for wish granting, educational and recreational activities, counselling and play therapy and family engagement—bringing hope, strength, and joy to children with critical illnesses and their loved ones.
“Together, we’ve created more than just a room—we’ve built a place where dreams take shape and lasting memories begin” says Indhra Kaushal Rajapakse District Governor Lions District 306B2 2021 = 2022.
The launch event will take place on 29 April, at Indira Cancer Trust, where families, volunteers, and supporters are invited to participate in activities that highlighted the importance of wishes and the power of collective goodwill. The event will feature the inspiring stories of Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka’s first wish children, educational sessions about the impact of granting wishes, and opportunities for the community to get involved.
One of the first children to receive their wish was 8-year-old Rasindu Sandaruwan whose wish was to meet his favorite local singer and winner of Hiru Star 2023, Amisha Minol.
By integrating Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka as a vital service under the Indira Cancer Trust, the organisation aims to create a comprehensive model of care that addresses the medical, emotional, and psychological needs of children facing cancer. This approach empowers families with hope and strengthens community ties as they work together toward a shared objective: improving the lives of children battling serious illnesses.
To support the Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka and to learn more about how you can get involved, please visit www.makeawishsrilanka.org and follow their social media channels.
- [1] Roberts, H., Cook, J., Lee, A., Loh, W. K., Teo, N., Yoong, J. S. Y., & Gorter-Stam, M. (2024). Wish-granting interventions promote positive emotions in both the short and long term in children with critical illnesses and their families. Children, 12(1), 47. https://doi.org/10.3390/children12010047
