A few days ago, I walked into the Indira Cancer Trust office. It is an experience worth sharing.
In the heart of Sri Lanka, a story of resilience and selflessness unfolds within the walls of the Indira Cancer Trust.
It's a tale not just of one person but of hundreds whose lives are intertwined with a common thread—a battle against cancer.
Indira's narrative is a powerful testimony to the strength of the human spirit, a narrative that not only inspires but moves others to action.
Indira never wore a cape, but her story is etched into the hearts of many, making her a hero of a different kind.
The Trust bearing her name is a testament to her indomitable spirit. Seven years ago, her journey began not with surrender but with a selfless embrace of her situation, choosing to fight and advocate rather than succumb to despair.
The Indira Cancer Trust, an epitome of organization and compassion, shines brightly as a beacon of hope in Sri Lanka. Its volunteers, with their ever-present smiles, provide care and a family for those in the throes of cancer.
They prove time and again that while cancer is a formidable foe, it can be confronted with support.
In Sri Lanka, the statistics are sobering—each year, 800 children are diagnosed with cancer, and a heart-wrenching 200 don't survive.
The Trust’s resolve is to bend these numbers towards hope, to fight for each precious life.
Among these, children with innocent smiles continue to play and dream within the safe embrace of Suva Arana's walls, undeterred by the grim shadow of their ailment. It's here that the true heroes reside—the staff and volunteers whose joy and purpose infuse these walls with love and comfort.
Their happiness isn't superficial; it’s rooted in the profound understanding of life’s fragility and the Buddha’s teachings of impermanence. Each staff member, whether in the kitchen or the play area, serves as a living reminder that fulfillment comes from serving others.
Indira’s Cancer Trust doesn't just battle cancer; it's a sanctuary for the human spirit, an organization where each smile, each act of kindness, is a step towards victory over this disease. The Trust embodies the ethos that every life matters and that saving one is a worthy act transcending the mundane.
As Sri Lanka grapples with cancer, the Trust is a pillar of strength and hope. Their story needs to be heard. Their battles need your support.
Engage with Indira’s story with the Trust's mission. Take a moment to consider how you might contribute to this noble cause.
Whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading the word, your help can provide comfort, smiles, and maybe even a cure to those who need it most.
Let’s join hands with the Indira Cancer Trust to keep the torch of hope built for every individual facing this unpredictable journey.
In The end, we are all part of this story, and together, we can write a victorious ending.
Saliya Weerakoon
*The writer, Alumni of Harvard Kennedy School, is a serial entrepreneur and a former senior corporate executive with nearly 30 years of experience covering the Asia Pacific and the Middle East. With an academic background in public leadership, public policy, marketing, and digital economy, he has advised many senior political and business leaders over the last 12 years. He could be reached via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.