• Celebrating seven years of the Indira Cancer Trust

In the intricate tapestry of life, stories unfold that illuminate the profound impact of love, loss, and a steadfast commitment to change. The Indira Cancer Trust embodies such a tale – a testament to the enduring love of a father, former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, following the passing of his daughter, Indira Jayasuriya.

Indira, a resilient soul, confronted breast cancer at the tender age of 40. Her journey, marked by surgeries and chemotherapy in 2008, saw triumph over the initial onslaught of the disease. However, fate dealt a harsh blow, revealing a recurrence during her second pregnancy. 

Unyielding in her love for her unborn child, she chose to forgo treatment until after delivering a healthy baby boy named Dilan. A year later, cancer returned, leading to Indira’s peaceful departure on 2 November 2016.

In the wake of this heart-wrenching loss, Karu Jayasuriya transformed grief into purpose, founding the Indira Cancer Trust on 27 November 2016. His vision was clear: to create an organisation dedicated to supporting families grappling with the challenges of cancer. Little did he know that this commitment would blossom into a lifeline for many.

As we stand on the precipice of the trust’s seventh birthday, it’s a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of the Indira Cancer Trust. Over these seven years, the trust has undertaken more than 20 projects, each a testament to its unwavering dedication to alleviating the burdens carried by cancer patients and their families.

From pioneering Sri Lanka’s first cancer helpline to providing livelihood support, children’s scholarships, and assistance with medications and investigations, the Indira Cancer Trust has become a multifaceted force of compassion. 

Notably, one of its crowning achievements is the groundbreaking ‘Suwa Arana’ – Sri Lanka’s inaugural Paediatric Palliative Care Centre. This haven of healing, near the Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama, is set to open its doors in February 2024, marking a historic milestone in the global fight against paediatric cancer.

The heart of the Indira Cancer Trust lies in its dedicated volunteers, the unsung heroes who embody the spirit of service. Walking into the building of Indira Cancer Trust, you are greeted with warmth and every service resonates with kindness, love, and care – the pillars on which the trust stands.

As Indira Cancer Trust celebrates seven years, the story is not just one of loss but of love that transcends boundaries. It is an invitation to the reader, a call to action. Beyond the pages, there lies an opportunity to be a part of this legacy of healing. Whether through the gift of time, volunteering, or supporting the myriad projects and initiatives, each contribution becomes a stitch in the fabric of hope, resilience, and compassion that defines the Indira Cancer Trust. 

Happy birthday to a source of inspiration, lighting the path for seven remarkable years and beyond.