Sapu Nikethanaya

SAPU NIKETHANAYA: Providing Hope and Accommodation for Cancer Patients

Thousands of patients traveled across Sri Lanka daily to receive care at government-funded cancer units. Many journeyed for one to two days, or even longer, to reach these hospitals and were required to remain in the vicinity for the duration of their treatment, often up to a week or more for a single course of care.

The National Hospital in Karapitiya, in the Southern Province city of Galle, was one such facility, but it lacked adequate accommodations for patients and their families. The few available lodging options nearby were not feasible for most, due to high costs and practical limitations.

Sapu Nikethanaya was initiated to solve this problem by establishing a subsidized community center where patients undergoing treatment at Karapitiya could find a safe and supportive place to stay. The project benefited from a beautiful plot of land donated by a generous individual, and a thoughtful design and site plan provided by renowned architect Mr. Thisara Thanapathy.

Revive to Survive joined forces with The Cancer Care Association of Sri Lanka to help bring this vision to life. Mr. Lanka Pannila and his wife, with the support of Revive to Survive and a group of fellow colleagues from the UK and Australia pledged additional funds to help complete the project. Together with countless donors, volunteers and community members who contributed their time, effort and resources, construction of the first iteration was completed in full and Sapu Nikethanaya officially opened its doors on May 5th, 2026, easing the burden on patients and offering comfort to families during one of the most challenging times of their lives.

Thanks to the collective generosity of donors and supporters, Sapu Nikethanaya provided a safe, affordable, and supportive space for those battling cancer far from home. This project was a testament to the power of community and compassion, bringing hope and relief to hundreds of families in need.