Comfort beyond medical care has become the guiding philosophy behind the work of Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka, which recently marked its first anniversary by celebrating a year dedicated to bringing hope, joy, and emotional healing to children facing critical illnesses.
Comfort beyond medical care through hope and healing for children
The anniversary event, held on 29 April at Suwa Arana, the healing centre operated by Indira Cancer Trust, brought together children, parents, healthcare workers, volunteers, and supporters who have helped transform difficult moments into meaningful experiences over the past year.
Administered by the Indira Cancer Trust as a licensed territory of Make-A-Wish International, the programme has steadily emerged as a source of emotional support for children undergoing treatment for life-threatening illnesses in Sri Lanka. In its first year alone, the initiative granted 127 wishes, worked with 55 volunteers, collaborated with five partner organisations, and supported hundreds of families navigating emotionally and physically challenging circumstances.
For many children, the impact of a wish extends far beyond a moment of excitement. It represents a temporary escape from hospital wards, treatments, and medical uncertainty. More importantly, it restores a sense of childhood that serious illness can often interrupt.
Speaking at the anniversary event, Indira Cancer Trust Chairperson and Trustee Lanka Jayasuriya Dissanayake emphasised that emotional wellbeing should be treated as an essential part of healthcare.
“When a child is battling a critical illness, healing is not only physical,” she said. “Children need moments of happiness, excitement and hope. Sometimes a wish can give families the emotional strength they need to continue facing difficult days.”
The initiative reflects a growing understanding within healthcare communities worldwide that emotional care plays a critical role in overall wellbeing. Studies conducted by Make-A-Wish International and affiliated organisations have repeatedly shown that positive emotional experiences can help strengthen resilience, improve family morale, and provide psychological relief during treatment journeys.
At the heart of the programme is the broader mission of the Indira Cancer Trust, which has long focused on supporting children and families affected by cancer and other serious illnesses in Sri Lanka. Through Suwa Arana, often referred to as “A Place for Healing,” the organisation has sought to create an environment where emotional support complements medical treatment.
Over the past year, wishes granted through Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka have ranged from meeting admired personalities and travelling to dream destinations to receiving meaningful gifts or spending memorable moments with family members. While each child’s wish is unique, organisers say the emotional transformation witnessed afterward often carries a similar pattern — renewed joy, confidence, and hope.
Dissanayake noted that many families describe these moments as emotionally uplifting during periods otherwise dominated by stress and uncertainty. “We have seen how children transform when they are given something to look forward to,” she explained. “Even during treatment, a wish allows them to feel like children again instead of patients.”
The anniversary celebration also recognised the contribution of volunteers and supporters who continue to help bring wishes to life. From fundraising efforts and logistical coordination to spending time directly with children and families, volunteers have played a vital role in sustaining the programme’s momentum during its first year.
Dissanayake acknowledged the collective effort behind every wish granted. “Every wish involves many people coming together with kindness and compassion. It is incredibly moving to see communities rally around these children and give them moments they will carry with them for the rest of their lives,” she said.
As part of the anniversary event, the organisation also announced plans to grant 70 additional wishes, signalling an expansion of the programme during its second year. Organisers say the focus moving forward will be on extending the initiative’s reach to children across Sri Lanka who may otherwise lack access to such experiences.
The broader message behind the programme continues to centre on the importance of comfort beyond medical care — the idea that healing can also emerge through hope, emotional connection, and moments of happiness shared with loved ones.
Healthcare professionals and social support organisations increasingly recognise that emotional wellbeing directly influences the experiences of children undergoing prolonged medical treatment. For parents carrying emotional and financial burdens, witnessing their children smile and engage positively again can become a powerful source of resilience.
Reflecting on the future of the initiative, Dissanayake stated that the organisation remains committed to ensuring that children facing critical illnesses do not feel isolated during their treatment journeys. “Our vision is to ensure that every child facing a critical illness has the opportunity to experience hope, excitement and happiness,” she said.
As Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka enters its second year, the initiative continues to demonstrate that even during the most difficult periods of illness, moments of joy and emotional support can leave a lasting impact on children and their families alike.