Location
“Sahana Medura” is located in a property of four acres situated at No. 7/6, St. Anthony’s Road, Kanuwana, Ja-Ela where the institution began its activities in 1991 as a place of comfort and healing to persons who have experienced mental trauma due to various factors. The entire property and all its buildings are owned by and belong to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate of the Colombo province. It has been registered on 09th May 2000 as a Voluntary Social Services Organization under ordinance No. 31 of 1980 pertaining to above mentioned organizations. The institute consists of a three-storey large complex with, a parlor, rooms, common dormitories , a kitchen and dining room facilities. A fairly spacious front yard provides greenery and a healthy natural environment for outdoor relaxation. There are special rooms for counselling sessions for residential patients as well as for those who come from outside.
Mission
Through spiritual and corporal works of mercy and compassion, Sahana Medura wishes to be an institution for serving the needs of all who suffer from bodily infirmities and mental depression as well as spiritual wounds. Through counselling and other residential programs of treatment, the aim is to restore them to fuller health of mind and body so that they may return to society and lead fulfilling lives.
History and Background
Sahana Medura was founded in 1991 by Rev. Fr. Fraccid Anthony Fernando as a place that could offer solace and healing to those who had become victims of trauma due to a variety of reasons such as the impact of the war, political upheavals and youth insurrections.
Gradually, over time Sahana Medura became a center of social services with counselling and therapeutic activities for healing victims of various kinds of trauma. On 9th May 2000, it was officially registered with the Department of Social Services in conformity with ordinance no. 30 of 1980. Initially Fr. Fraccid handled the activities of the institution as the founding director and coordinator of programs with a small team of lay collaborators until assistant priests were appointed to share responsibilities. In 2017, the administration and activities of Sahana Medura were handed over to the authorities of the Colombo province of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate thereby officially transferring ownership of the property and buildings to the Oblate congregation. It is now administered under their charge. Fr. Prasanna Rodrigo was appointed on the 8th November 2018 as the official successor to Fr. Fraccid and currently fulfills the role of director at Sahana Medura. At present there are thirty residents receiving treatment at Sahana Medura. In addition, clients from outside also frequently seek counsel here. Those who serve at the institution hope that through their dedication and commitment they may bring Sahana Medura to realize the dream of its founder; to bring holistic healing to all victims of trauma and mental disorders, in an authentic witnessing spirit of Christian charity and compassion.