‘Siyawasaka Jayagrahanaya’ of the Mallika Nivasa Samithiya (1920-2020)

The Mallika Nivasa Samithiya (1920-2020) founded by Mallika Hewavitarne Lama Ethani, mother of the illustrious Anagarika Dharmapala, is one of the oldest social service organisations in the country, caring for elderly women, underprivileged boys and abandoned infants.

On the 01st December 2021, a celebration , ‘Siyawasaka Jayagrahanaya’ was held at the BMICH in the presence of the Chief Guest Mahinda Rajapakse, Prime Minister and Mme Shiranthi Rajapakse, and former Speaker, Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya, who was the Guest of Honour. The President, Ms Damayanti de Alwis Fernando and her committee, members of the society and well-wishers, filled the Hall to rejoice on this momentous occasion.

The 27th of February 1921 saw the flagship, Mallika Home for Elders in Bambalapitiya, being opened by admitting two elderly destitute women. With the passage of years, the Society extended its services to the following Care Centres and Homes, Parakrama Child Development Centre, Ragama (1954), Sneha Child Development Centre (1971), Seth Medura Paying Home for Ladies (1978) Seth Sevena I and Seth Sevena II Paying Homes in 1999 and 2001.

The first Dementia Care Centre in the island was opened with the sponsorship of HelpAge Sri Lanka in 2002.

An Elders’ Welfare Project, consisting of a food sales outlet, ‘Rasa Bojun’, a garden project selling potted plants and a handicraft project is operative. This therapeutic project assists the elders to make some pocket money whilst being gainfully employed.

The Society is managed by 38 members; all voluntary workers, who have given of their time for the sake of the organisation. An Award Ceremony was held at the event where the members received Long Service Awards; two members had proudly served the committee for 50 years!

A line-up of items on the Agenda included song and dance recitals by the grans of Mallika Home, the boys of Parakama and the Sneha infants, the issue of a Centenary Commemoration Stamp to honour the Founder, Long Service Awards to committee members, speeches by the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and the Society’s President.