The Jayawickreme Foundation was formed in December 2001 strictly as a non political, non religious, non ethnic, non profit making foundation with the aim of assisting and helping the poorest of the poor in Weligama of the Matara district of Sri Lanka. The Foundation is an approved charity and largely dependent on well-wishers and donors for its finances. http://www.jayawickreme.org/
 

Day Care Centre for the Old People

The Jayawickreme Foundation has opened a day care centre for 40 old people, who are either traumatized, neglected or lonely, in the coastal town of Weligama in southern Sri Lanka since October 2006. This part of Weligama was badly hit by the Tsunami.  The centre is free of charge. The centre is open for all religions and communities. 

In general old people - with the exception of civil servants - do not get pension in Sri Lanka. They therefore depend completely on support from their families'. In the day care centre the old people are provided with a typical Sri Lankan breakfast in the morning, lunch at midday and tea in the afternoon. They get regular spiritual support and medical check ups.  Activities tailor made according to the demand of the old people will help to lighten up the days of those old people.

The people arrive at about 8 a.m. and meditate and pray. Thereafter is breakfast time. As most of them suffer from diabetes, they do not get the usual white bread, but typical traditional Sri Lankan breakfast which changes every day. Likewise the lunch consists of traditional rice and curries. After tea in the evening they leave at about 4 p.m. They chat with each other, some rest and sleep, other walk in the garden, some like to do embroidery, others like to listen to the radio and read etc.

We are also having regular meetings with old people to get to know their sorrows and worries to address their urgent needs and requirements. 40 old people are registered, but sometimes they bring friends and they are welcome. Old people should feel comfortable in the day care centre, it should be a pleasure for them to spend their time there. 

The place is a very peaceful place with a big garden bordering a river. There is cosy summer hut to relax and there is always a nice breeze blowing across the elders' home. Moreover a spacious verandah gives enough room for the people to spend as much time as possible outside the rooms in fresh air.

The Jayawickreme Foundation got encouragement and ideas how to realize this urgently needed day care centre through personal discussions with Global Action Aging in New York last year and the weekly very informative newsletters.

Moreover the Jayawickreme Foundation has gifted more than 1500 pairs of used spectacles to old people. Many white cloths for temple ceremonies as well as a weel chair on request, paid eye operations etc. Whenever there is need, we try to help according funds available.

Please consider giving a donation to the Jayawickreme Foundation so that we can continue to help the needy and poor with our projects. We depend largely on contributions from dedicated individuals like you.