When wishes comes true even for a day!
A seven-year-old boy dreamed of becoming a police officer. For one day, that dream became real. He wore the uniform, sat in a patrol car, and for a brief moment, he lived in a world where illness no longer defined him.
Four months later, he passed away. Yet what remained was not only the memory of his struggle but also the joy of that moment – etched forever in his family’s hearts.
This is the power of a wish, a reminder that even in life’s hardest battles, joy and dignity can shine through.
Memorable moments: This boy had his wish of being in a airplane
For more than four decades, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has been granting the heartfelt wishes of children with critical illnesses around the world. These moments are about hope, healing, and the transformative effect of joy. Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka was launched on April 29, 2025, to coincide with World Wish Day and to mark the 45th anniversary of Make-A-Wish International. The initiative was introduced under the stewardship of the Indira Cancer Trust, whose mission is to go beyond clinical treatment and offer holistic healing embracing physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
Each wish granted involves careful preparation. The process begins with listening to the child – learning about their favorite colours, foods, hobbies and dreams. The team then works hand in hand with healthcare consultants, Dr. Sanjeewa Gunasekera, Dr. Prabhani Madummarachchi, Dr. Jaliya Jayasuriya, and Dr. Mahendra Somathilake at Apeksha Hospital, ensuring that every experience is not only magical but also safe.
In its very first four months, Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka has already granted 50 wishes, many of them at Suwa Arana Paediatric Palliative Care Centre, the country’s first such facility, established in 2023 to provide family-centred paediatric palliative care.
Children are encouraged to express three possible wishes, which the team explores before designing the most meaningful experience. To build anticipation, a “wish box” filled with 13 age-appropriate gifts is given to the child as a promise of what is to come.
The stories that emerge are touching. One little girl, unable to travel due to her condition, longed to become a lawyer. The team brought the courtroom to her. Four lawyers arrived, carrying with them a badge, a mug, and a T-shirt that read “Little Miss Lawyer”. Her face radiated pride as she stepped into her role, even for a day. Another child wished to meet his favourite singer, and when the star walked into his hospital room, his eyes sparkled.
Another young boy celebrated his birthday at Colombo’s Lotus Tower. Though confined to a wheelchair, he was surrounded by family, gazing in awe at the city skyline, exploring the pixel room, and cutting a cake at the Orbit restaurant. Another child’s dream was to see airplanes. He was welcomed as a VIP at the Bandaranaike International Airport, toured the facility, dined with staff, and experienced the thrill of sitting in the pilot’s seat of an Etihad aircraft.
At the heart of these moments is a dedicated team. Sonali Perera, Head of Wish Granting, coordinates the process, supported by Yasmina Weerabangsa, Wish Capture Specialist and Hiruni Perera, Wish Design Specialist. Says Sonali, “Hope heals. In the middle of treatments, tests, and uncertainty, children need to feel joy, be celebrated, and experience freedom. Make-A-Wish gives them that chance.”
Alongside them, are the staff of the Indira Cancer Trust, medical consultants, volunteers and donors as none of this would be possible without community and donor support. Financial contributions cover logistics such as transport, insurance and meals, while in-kind support – from hotel stays to restaurants providing food – bring the experiences to life. Seylan Bank PLC, as the official banking partner, and other corporate supporters have played a key role in making wishes possible.
Yet it is not only financial contributions that matter. Doctors lend their expertise, community members open doors, and countless individuals step forward to make a child’s dream into reality.
For more information, visit www.makeawishsrilanka.org or call the helpline 011 2363211
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