Sumithrayo Colombo Centre celebrates 50th Years of Service

Sumithrayo Colombo Centre celebrates 50th Anniversary on June 15th 2024
Half a century ago, our dearly beloved founder the Late Mrs. Joan De Mel together with a group of eminent people embarked on a journey driven by compassion, understanding, and an unwavering commitment to helping people in distress or despair, and saving lives. They recognized the profound impact that a listening ear and a caring heart could have on individuals in their darkest moments. Today, we honor their legacy and celebrate the incredible journey of the Sumithrayo center in Colombo - the first suicide helpline in Sri Lanka. Established as an approved charity, the organization operates purely by the able services of trained non-paid volunteers and functions 365 days of the year from 9 am to 8 pm, where people experiencing distress or despair, can call, email or visit for a “cup of tea with empathy” - for confidential, non-judgemental emotional support.
Over the past 50 years, our volunteers, past and present, have been the lifeblood of this organization. Their dedication and selflessness have touched countless lives, offering hope and support when it was needed the most - helping people in their darkest moments, , bring a grind, a "Sumithraya" - ensuring they are not alone, helping to heal, and empowering to cope.
Each conversation, each act of kindness, and each moment of connection has helped to fulfil our vision where people can explore their feelings without fear or prejudice, can understand & respect the feelings of others, and fewer people die by Suicide.
The silent, anonymous and benevolent service provided by the Sumithrayo volunteers without any personal glory signifies a remarkable breed of human beings. Without a doubt being a volunteer enriches their own lives, to be a better , caring and understanding person, with an abundance of respect, concern and empathy for all - at home, at work, or in society at large.
In early 1980's a close connection was found between addictions and suicide. The setting up of a rehabilitation center for alcoholics is explained in Joan's book ‘Closer than a Brother’ chapters 8 & 9, where her house Elsmere was given, and it was hoped that the place would become a rehabilitation center in addition to being an educative base for training on drugs and alcohol addiction.
Thus the Sumithrayo Drug Demand Reduction Programme - ‘Mel Medura’, was established in 1984 as an ancillary to the Sumithrayo center in Colombo in order to cater to the increasing issues of drug and alcohol addiction. This service has evolved over the years and has now expanded to address all behavioural addictions, a much-needed service in these times while striving to motivate a change for a healthy lifestyle under the professional guidance of Dr. Shamil Wanigaratne.
Together, we have built a network of care that extends across communities, providing a lifeline to those in need. We continued our service even during the Pandemic via telephone and email, where most services came to a standstill. People reached out to us from all parts of the country, and even beyond - from other countries.
This journey would not have been possible without our generous donors, honorary consultants, and supporters, who believe in our mission and provide assistance, guidance, and expertise whenever required.
As we celebrate this golden anniversary, we reflect on the service we have provided thus far with pride, but we also recognize that our work is far from done. The need for compassionate listening and support is as vital today as it was fifty years ago.
As we look to the future, let us carry forward the spirit of our founders, continually striving to grow, and to adapt to the evolving needs of society.
Today is a celebration of our collective efforts and the lives we have touched. It is an opportunity to share memories, and honour our past. We remain committed to our mission, and with your continued support, Sumithrayo will strive to reach even more individuals in need, and continue to be a beacon of hope, compassion, and empowerment for the next fifty years and beyond.