Power of a wish: Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka transforming lives

A seven-year-old boy dreams of being a police officer. He puts on the uniform, sits in a patrol car, and for a brief moment, steps into a world where illness does not define him. Four months later, he passes away—but not before experiencing a joy that will linger in his family's heart forever.

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This is the power of a wish, a global initiative that has, for over four decades, shown the transformative power of granting wishes to children facing critical illnesses. In Sri Lanka, Make-A-Wish was launched on 29 April 2025 coinciding with World Wish Day and marking the 45th anniversary of Make-A-Wish Foundation International. Under the stewardship of the Indira Cancer Trust, whose mission, is to go beyond clinical care and focus on holistic healing - physical, emotional and spiritual, Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka aligns perfectly with that philosophy. It's about nurturing resilience, restoring joy and creating memories that lasts long after treatment ends.

Each child's wish is captured thoughtfully: favourite colours, food, and dreams are explored. The team ensures every wish day is safe, joyful, and memorable, working closely with the healthcare consultants—Dr. Sanjeewa Gunasekera, Dr. Prabhani Madummarachchi, Dr. Jaliya Jayasuriya, and Dr. Mahendra Somathilake from the Apeksha Hospital—who guide the process, ensuring each experience aligns with the child's medical needs.

Over the first four months, Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka has already granted 50 wishes, primarily at the Suwa Arana Paediatric Palliative Care Center, the only paediatric palliative care centre in the country that opened its doors in 2023.

Joanne Joseph sat down with Wish Granting Head Sonali Perera, to understand the passion and vision behind this life-changing initiative.

Q: Sonali, what does Make-A-Wish Sri Lanka mean for the children you work with?