Grand Opening of the End-of-Life Care Unit at Base Hospital Tellipalai

A major milestone for compassionate healthcare in Northern Sri Lanka has been reached with the opening of the End-of-Life Care Unit, known as Aravanai, at Base Hospital Tellipalai. As the first dedicated end-of-life care ward in the Northern Province, the facility will provide comfort, dignity and specialised support to patients living with terminal and life-limiting illnesses, while also supporting their families during some of life’s most difficult moments.

This landmark project was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Paalam The Bridge To Humanity. The facility began with Paalam’s vision to improve access to compassionate palliative and end-of-life care in Sri Lanka, and Vanni Hope was honoured to help bring this vision to fruition by implementing and overseeing the construction of the project.

A Historic Grand Opening Ceremony

The End-of-Life Care Unit was officially opened at Base Hospital Tellipalai on 14 July 2026, bringing together government representatives, healthcare professionals, project partners, supporters and members of the local community.

We were deeply honoured to welcome Hon. Matthew Duckworth, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, as the Chief Guest. His presence highlighted the significance of this landmark healthcare project and the valuable role that collaboration between Australia and Sri Lanka can play in strengthening essential services. We were also privileged to welcome special guests Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekhar, Minister of Fisheries and Northern Development, and Hon. N. Vethanayagam, Governor of the Northern Province, Sri Lanka.

Providing Compassionate Care and Dignity

Palliative and end-of-life care focuses on relieving pain and other distressing symptoms while supporting the physical, emotional and social needs of patients and their loved ones. The new unit provides a dedicated environment where patients can receive compassionate care while remaining close to their families and communities.

Aravanai represents much more than a new hospital building. It represents comfort for patients, reassurance for families and a commitment to ensuring that every person is treated with dignity and respect throughout every stage of life. The facility will particularly support terminally ill patients, older people and economically disadvantaged families who may otherwise face barriers to accessing specialised care.

A Partnership Between Paalam and Vanni Hope

Through its generous sponsorship, Paalam The Bridge To Humanity provided the vital support required to transform the concept for the End-of-Life Care Unit into a permanent healthcare facility. We extend our sincere gratitude to the entire Paalam team for their generosity, trust and commitment to strengthening palliative and end-of-life care services in Sri Lanka.

Vanni Hope implemented and oversaw the construction from planning through to completion, working closely with hospital authorities, government departments, engineers, contractors and other stakeholders. This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations combine their resources, experience and shared humanitarian commitment to create lasting change for patients and families.

Recognising Mr Lavanyan and Mr Prathaban Sithananthan

Vanni Hope extends a special acknowledgement to our Head Engineer of Major Construction Projects, Mr Lavanyan, for his tireless efforts throughout the construction of the facility. His technical expertise, professionalism, attention to detail and continued involvement were instrumental in ensuring that the project was delivered successfully and to the required standard.

We also sincerely thank Vanni Hope Director Mr Prathaban Sithananthan, who played an instrumental role behind the scenes in making this project possible. He oversaw the project on behalf of Vanni Hope and worked closely with Mr Lavanyan, hospital representatives, government departments, engineers and contractors throughout its delivery. We are deeply grateful to both Mr Prathaban and Mr Lavanyan for their leadership, dedication and commitment to the successful completion of this important facility.

Thanking Tari by Gayatri

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Tari by Gayatri for supporting the project through the Saptaswara fundraiser held last year. The event brought the community together through music, culture and generosity while raising valuable funds towards the End-of-Life Care Unit. We thank Gayatri, the performers, organisers, volunteers, sponsors and everyone who attended or contributed to Saptaswara for helping create a lasting place of care, comfort and dignity.

Thank You to Our Supporters

Most importantly, we thank the supporters of both Paalam The Bridge To Humanity and Vanni Hope. Every donation, fundraising initiative, message of encouragement and act of generosity contributed to making this landmark project possible.

We also acknowledge the hospital administration, healthcare professionals, government departments, engineers, contractors, volunteers and community representatives who supported the construction and opening of the unit. Together, we have created a facility that will provide comfort, dignity and compassionate care to patients and their families for many years to come.

A Lasting Milestone for Northern Sri Lanka

The opening of the End-of-Life Care Unit at Base Hospital Tellipalai demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations, supporters and communities unite behind a shared humanitarian purpose.

This facility stands as a lasting commitment to ensuring that patients facing terminal and life-limiting illnesses can receive compassionate care and support with dignity, while remaining close to their families and communities.

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