By Our Special Correspondent
A long-awaited and much-needed enhancement to the Mama Papa Home became a reality on 29 November 2025, when the newly constructed hydyne wing, donated by the Brighter Life Foundation of Switzerland, was officially declared open at the Home’s Kalutara premises.
This blessed occasion, marking a significant milestone in the Home’s mission of care and compassion, was graced by His Eminence Dr. Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, who opened the new wing as the Chief Guest.
Heinz Pauli, President of the Brighter Life Foundation and the Guest of Honour, together with long-standing supporters of the Home, former Deputy Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka, Rudolf Gauhl and Hiu Bandaranayake, and other Foundation representatives, also joined in celebrating this meaningful achievement.
Recalling the origins of the Home’s mission, Cardinal Ranjith shared that many years ago, while serving as the Parish Priest in Payagala, a widow named Rita Perera sought his guidance on how she could make her life more purposeful.
“I advised her to visit the special ward at the Nagoda Hospital, where homeless elderly persons were being cared for, and to see how she might bring them comfort and hope,” he said.
“Years later, I learned through a parish priest, who lives in the area, that something remarkable had taken place. Rita Perera, who had once been a Reverend Sister before entering lay life, had founded the Marcsri Homes and was dedicating herself to caring for those in need.”
The Cardinal expressed deep gratitude to the Brighter Life Foundation for its continued support and for the generous donation of the hydyne wing, which further enhances the Home’s facilities and environment.
The Home, which accommodates around 40 residents, provides comprehensive and individualized therapies for individuals who are physically or mentally partially able.
Heinz Pauli also extended heartfelt appreciation to the Cardinal for his exemplary and loving care over many years for the residents of the Mama Papa Home.
“We must also thank Rev. Fr. Jude Chrishman, Director of MarcSri Homes Kalutara, and his entire team for their tireless work in caring for people with disabilities,” he said.
“Brighter Life will continue to be a loyal and reliable partner of the Mama Papa Home in Kalutara in the years ahead.”
R.A. Gauhl noted that the new wing has been equipped with spacious sanitary facilities and a dedicated laundry drying room to meet the specific needs of children.
The opening ceremony also featured two heartwarming cultural performances by the children of the Special Education Unit of the Mama Papa Home, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the Home’s devoted service to differently-abled children.
