Cancer Care Association- Sri Lanka

(CCA) is an organization founded by Dr.Samdhi W. Rajapaksa and Consultant Clinical Oncologist Dr. Upul Ekanayake  with a compassionate motive and dedication to ensure physical and mental well being of those who are affected from this often fatal condition.

Since its inception in 2003 the  CCA has been committed to patient care by not only supporting them with everyday  financial and medical needs to cope with this painful situation but also to mentally overcome various problems related to their illness. Returning to normal life is a challenge to patient with cancer as well as their families

Religious events as well as meditation programs organized time to time by Dr. Samadhi Rajapakse provides ongoing support for patients to overcome their fears and strengthening them spiritually to face consequences, assuring a less devastating as well as peaceful ending to the story.

CCA mainly carry out its projects at the National Cancer Institute, Maharagama Sri Lanka where most of the patients are being sent for treatment from various parts of the country. Cancer Institute Maharagamais  the key government institution devoted for the well being of individuals diagnosed with cancer and main center for cancer research.Also it has two of its branches at Cancer units of Anuradhapura and Karapitiya hospitals carrying out an enormous service to cancer patients.

Apart from this various educational and religious programs as well as funding for expensive drugs are being handled by  CCA at  various other places, under the direct supervision of Dr. Samadhi Rajapakse. At Cancer Institute almost all the wards including “Shantha Sevana” hospice  is under constant supply and overlook of CCA rendering its services, thanks to generous contributions made by the well wishers and charitable individuals.

This association is a registered Charity organization composed entirely of volunteers. Unique to non-profits the CCA has no paid staff and has no offices. All operating expenses are covered by generous donations and membership dues. Cancer Care now has many devoted members here in Sri Lanka and abroad who share the vision and commitment of Dr.Samadhis effort to relieve the burden of cancer.

Also it is the only the only private organization in Sri Lanka to build a Hospice for the terminally ill cancer patients.A Hospice is a place which provides shelter and medical care free of charge to patients who are terminally ill with cancer in order to promote their spiritual wellbeing with preparation to the final event. Counseling and Social support also given for family members involved. CCA built the Hospice at Kurundankulama attached to Anuradhapura Cancer Unit in June 2011 with a capacity to accommodate forty patients. This project was initiated with the vision of Dr.Samadhi Rajapakse and Dr. Upul Ekanayake at a cost of 5 million Rupees as a result of years of hard work of the members of the association and the contributions from all over the world including one small Rupee from the poor to millions from those who had concern towards the sick.

Breast prosthesis which are essential after mastectomy or the removal of breast- are provided free to patients with breast cancers.Cancer awareness programs are made available to the public, through lectures, discussions and conferences. This activity is enhanced by the annual publication of the Cancer Care Association’s “Sarana” Magazine which highlights methods of treating cancers and the resultant experiences of patients concerned.This is the only magazine in Sri Lanka about Cancer published in Singhala Medium.

Provision of essential equipment- help with the repair & renewal of buildings, in the cancer units with the aim of uplifting facilities available for poor patients.

Donation programs are organized for the distribution of materials & the provision of essential drugs to resident patients.

Programs of special help to patients are activated.