Joint programme between President’s Fund and Janashakthi Foundation to expand healthcare facilities for children

Roshan Gamage, Secretary to the President’s Fund and Senior Additional Secretary to the President, spoke at the event. He mentioned that the current Government has worked to decentralize and digitalize the President’s Fund, making it more focused on the people it serves. This shift has helped build trust in the Fund’s transparency, accountability, and effectiveness. Gamage added that working closely with the private sector will improve healthcare support for children and help bridge the gap between available financial aid and the true cost of necessary medical treatment. Ramesh Schaffter, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of the Janashakthi Group, also addressed the audience. He highlighted that the challenges in getting medical treatment are significant barriers to children's futures. The goal of their partnership is to lessen these barriers by providing support to children who urgently need help, thus giving future generations a better chance to succeed. To apply for extra financial help, applicants must fill out and submit a consent form to share their information securely with the Janashakthi Foundation when applying to the President’s Fund. The President’s Fund will continue to identify children in need, verify their information, and approve funding. Typically, payments will be made to the guardians of children once treatment is completed. However, for emergency treatments or those done abroad, payments may be made in advance. Applicants seeking medical assistance from the President’s Fund from 15 May 2026 onwards can also apply for additional funding from the Janashakthi Foundation. The launch event took place at the Hilton Colombo and was attended by notable guests, including J.M. Wijebandara, Director General of Legal Affairs at the Presidential Secretariat and Advisor to the President (Legal Affairs); C.T.A. Schaffter, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Janashakthi Group; and other officials from both organizations.