The Visakha Foundation, a registered non-profit charitable organization in Sri Lanka, was established through the generous donation of Mrs. Trung Hieu Nguyen, a 76-year-old resident of the United States, affectionately known as Visakha Matha. The Foundation was officially inaugurated by Visakha Matha herself on 17 February 2026, at an auspicious ceremony.
For this noble humanitarian cause, Visakha Matha generously donated the entirety of her personal savings, amounting to approximately LKR 150 million (15 crore rupees), which she had earned through years of hard work and dedication.
The officers and other ranks of the 12th Engineer Services Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army made a significant contribution to the construction of this building. Construction commenced on 19 August 2024, and it is with great pride that we acknowledge their remarkable achievement in completing the entire project within a short period of 18 months. We extend our deepest gratitude and full recognition for their invaluable service.
The admission of residents began on 21 April 2026. The Sikhi Mission House Elderly Care Centre is the only elderly care facility in Sri Lanka that provides comprehensive care and accommodation for all four categories of elderly individuals under one roof.
The Sikhi Mission House Elderly Care Centre is operated by the Visakha Foundation, which is affiliated with the Sri Buwanekaba Temple in Govindupura. The institution is administered by a Board of Directors consisting of five directors, including the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Buddama Dhammika Thero, who oversees all administrative activities.
The Foundation is a registered non-profit charitable organization incorporated under the Registrar of Companies of Sri Lanka. It is regulated by both the Department of Social Services and the National Secretariat for Elders, ensuring that it operates in accordance with the relevant laws and standards governing elderly care and charitable institutions.
Who Can Be Admitted to Our Elderly Care Centre?
We admit the most vulnerable members of society-those who are extremely poor, helpless, abandoned, or without family support. Elderly men, women, Buddhist monks, and Buddhist nuns who are bedridden, seriously ill, or unable to care for themselves are welcome to become residents of our centre.
If you know of anyone in such circumstances, please let us know. However, we are unable to admit individuals with severe mental illnesses or psychiatric conditions, as we must ensure the safety and well-being of all our residents.
If you are planning a pilgrimage, holiday, or any other trip and do not have a safe place to leave your elderly parents or loved ones, you may entrust them to our care. We will look after them with compassion until you return. We do not charge any fee for this service.
Similarly, if a family member has been discharged from hospital after surgery and you are unable to provide the necessary care during their recovery, you may bring them to us. We will care for them until they have recovered. There is no charge for this service.
Our centre is not a profit-making business. It is a charitable institution established to provide compassionate care and support to those in need.
Services Provided to Our Residential Elderly Residents
At the Sikhi Mission House Elderly Care Centre, we are committed to providing compassionate, dignified, and comprehensive care for every resident.
1. Love, Compassion, and Care
Above all, we provide genuine love, kindness, and emotional support. Many of our residents have been deprived of affection and companionship, and we strive to ensure they feel valued, respected, and cared for.
2. Professional Nursing and Dedicated Staff
Our residents are cared for by an experienced team of qualified nurses and a compassionate support staff who are committed to their comfort and well-being.
3. Nutritious Meals
We provide three nutritious meals each day. Residents who are unable to feed themselves are lovingly assisted by our nursing staff.
4. Personal Hygiene Essentials
We supply all essential personal care items, including bed linen, towels, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving razors, soap, and other hygiene necessities.
5. Laundry Services
All clothing belonging to our residents is washed, dried, and cared for by our staff.
6. Personal Grooming and Daily Care
Our nursing staff assist residents with daily personal care, including brushing teeth, bathing, haircuts, nail trimming, and other grooming needs.
7. Medical Care and Health Monitoring
We provide wound care, administer medications on time, and monitor residents' blood pressure and blood sugar levels every day to ensure their ongoing health and well-being.
8. Monthly Medical Clinic
The medical team from Siyambalanduwa Base Hospital visits our centre every month to conduct medical clinics, providing invaluable healthcare services to our residents.
9. Weekly Doctor Visits
In addition to the monthly clinic, a medical doctor visits the centre once a week to examine residents and provide necessary medical consultations.
10. Daily Operating Costs
Providing this level of care requires significant resources. Our daily operating expenses amount to approximately LKR 100,000. These costs include nutritious food, hygiene supplies, medical consultation fees, medicines, cooking gas, adult diapers, electricity, building maintenance, and staff salaries.
How You Can Support This Noble Cause
Your kindness and generosity can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the elderly residents we care for. There are many ways you can support our mission.
1. Make a Donation
To maintain our elderly care centre at the highest standard, your support is invaluable. We gratefully accept donations of any size and in any form.
You may contribute:
- Monetary donations
- Adult diapers (Size M)
- Rice, coconuts, grains, soya meat, canned salmon, sugar, lentils, milk powder, and other dry food items
- Coconut oil
- Laundry detergent
- Dishwashing liquid or detergent bars
- Baby soap
- Dettol disinfectant
- Disposable razors
- Hand wash
- Tile cleaner and toilet cleaner
- Rubber gloves
- Face masks
- Rubber footwear
Any contribution, regardless of the quantity or value, is sincerely appreciated and will directly benefit our residents.
2. Celebrate Special Occasions Through Giving
You are welcome to celebrate birthdays, wedding anniversaries, memorials, or other meaningful occasions at our centre by sponsoring refreshments or meals for our elderly residents. Sharing your special moments with them brings joy to both the residents and your family.
3. Organize Almsgiving (Dāna) Ceremonies
We provide complete facilities for those wishing to perform Buddhist almsgiving (Dāna) in memory of loved ones or as an act of merit.
Our experienced cooks prepare the meals, and we arrange all necessary religious activities, including:
- Inviting Buddhist monks
- Organizing the offering of alms to the Sangha
- Preparing and serving refreshments
- Coordinating the entire ceremony
All you need to do is reserve a suitable date and arrive on the day of the event. We will take care of everything else.
4. A Meaningful and Convenient Way to Offer Dāna
There is no need to spend weeks cleaning your home, hiring equipment, borrowing utensils, or making expensive arrangements. Nor is there any need to spend hundreds of thousands of rupees.
A complete day's meals for all our residents can be sponsored for approximately LKR 100,000. By offering your generosity here, your donation directly benefits those who truly need it—elderly men, women, Buddhist monks, and Buddhist nuns living under our care.
6. Help Spread the Word
You can also support us by introducing our elderly care centre to your relatives, friends, neighbours, community organizations, workplaces, and social groups. Raising awareness helps us reach more people in need and encourages others to join this compassionate mission.
