Dev Siri Sevana is a Home that offers free accommodation and cares for elders who need a haven to spend their twilight age. They are individuals from all walks of life who need care and protection for varied reasons. Religion, race, or gender are not barriers to being residents of Dev Siri Sevana. The sincere objective of Dev Siri Sevana is to provide a happy, homey accommodation, thus giving support and assistance to the elderly who, for reasons beyond their control, are no longer capable of coping on their own or with help within their environment. Dev Siri Sevna is also committed to providing love, care, and security to its elders to lead normal lives as much as possible so to spend their later years with dignity.

The church, which reflects Jesus’ love, offers essential services, including spiritual counseling, pastoral care, and prayer, to ensure that our residents are not only physically comfortable but also emotionally and spiritually fulfilled. The holistic well-being of each individual has been the central focus of this mission since its inception.

The birth of Dev Siri Sevana was the brainchild of the late Rev. Padmasiri Bhareti, an Anglican priest and vicar of St. Paul’s Church Milagiriya who had a vision of a ministry within his ministry. The need for a secure shelter for the increasingly aged population in the country of whom the majority lived below the poverty line stirred up the vision for the establishment of Dev Siri Sevana.

In 1989, Rev Bhareti embarked on this journey with a few dedicated parishioners and friends. They prepared and submitted a project proposal for the elder for the Elders to the then Bishop of Colombo, Rt Rev Jabez Gnanapragasam.

The Bishop approved and gave sanctions to proceed with the project. He also made available one acre of land owned by the Diocese of Colombo situated at Mahabage, Welisara. Thus, the DEV SIRI SEVENA Project concept was born, meaning a place of refuge under God’s blessings.

Dev Siri Sevana launched its fundraising campaign under the theme “SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL FOR GOD” on 4th July 1990, with a short service at Union Church Welisara, located at the same premises. The event was officiated by the Bishop of Colombo, Rt Rev Jabez Gnanapragasam. Hon John Amarathunga (then Minister of Home Affairs and Provincial Council), and other well-wishers, mostly from St. Paul’s Church, Milagiriya were in attendance.

The project was designed to accommodate 48 elders in 12 self-contained cubicles. Initially, the project was to be completed in four stages. The foundation stone for the first stage was laid on the 4th of July 1992 by Bishop Rt Rev Jabez Gnanapragasam. The first stage aimed to construct three cubicles, which are self-contained units accommodating four elders each for which Mr. Chandana Ellepola served as the architect. Each unit is equipped with a toilet, bathroom, sit-out area, and an outer garden, along with a common kitchen and dining area. Furthermore, the plan included rooms for staff and a house for the founder.

The barren land, which was at Welisara, was transformed into a beautiful elder for the elders to live for the rest of their lives. The blessing and dedication service of stage one completion and the staff was officiated by the then Bishop of Colombo, Rt Rev Kenneth Fernando, on 4th July 1993, exactly one year after the laying of the foundation.

The project was successfully inaugurated on the 31st of August 1993, with the participation of the Bishop of Colombo, Rt Rev Kenneth Fernando, and Hon. John Amarathunga, then Minister of Home Affairs and Provincial Council, as the Chief Guest. The first stage of the project became reality with residential accommodation for 16 elders.

The ‘Daily Bread Fund’ was launched on the day of the inauguration with faith, knowledge, and belief that God would be the provider and sustainer. Mr. A. Y. S. Gnanam, a dedicated Christian and businessman, willingly inaugurated this fund with his generous contribution, which paved the way for many others to make contributions to meet the day-to-day expenses, maintenance, and management of the elder. This practice remains to date.

In March 1995, the second stage of the elder was completed, adding 4 more cubicles and a Day Center. The ‘Day Center’ served the purpose of allowing elderly people from outside to visit and spend their day till evening. This service provided the opportunity for DSS elders to gather and socialize with the elderly community in the area. Additionally, the Day Centre was intended to be used for medical clinics for the elderly and to host special programs.

In March 1999, a fully equipped sick room called “Hospice” was declared open to accommodate residents when they became bedridden.

Since then, two more units have been added.  An annex was constructed with the contribution of a staff member who occupied it along with his wife until their deaths.  Another expanded unit serves as a residence for the Assistant Director of Home.

God’s blessings and the generous support from friends and well-wishers, enabled the project to accomplish its planned 4 stages. 

At present, the Home is fully equipped with 12 cubicles divided into 2 sections, having a capacity of accommodating 32 elders. There are 2 care rooms, one each for males and for females, and one of these was designated as the “Hospice” for elders who became bedridden. Additionally, there are two more temporary care rooms, separated for males and for females, with one of it equipped with medicines and medical apparatus. These rooms are used to treat elders by isolating them from their cubicles when they are sick. All cubicles are furnished to create a pleasant and homely environment for our residents.

Special diet meals are provided to elders who are suffering from diabetes, hypertension, and heart conditions, based on physician’s advice. They also undergo routine medical checkups at the nearby hospitals for clinical appointments as and when needed.

The elder has been providing its services to the elderly, managed by a Director and an Assistant Director in charge, assisted by support staff. Additionally, a committee appointed by the Bishop of Colombo, Church of Ceylon Diocese of Colombo, assists and guides the Director in the administration and admission of elders to the Home. The committee oversees the operation and ensures the smooth functioning of the elder, ensuring that residents receive the care and services they need.

The words of Rt. Rev. Jabez Gnanapragasam about Dev Siri Sevana

“SOMETHING FOR GOD”

“ATTEMPT GREAT THINGS FOR GOD”

“EXPECT GREAT THINGS FROM GOD”