Take Heart Sri Lanka Mission 2026
A Big thank you to all our Sponsors and Partners for their support and commitment.
Our most recent mission to Sri Lanka, between 15th and 25th October 2026, was another rewarding and impactful trip for the Take Heart Mercy Mission team. Each visit reminds us just how important our work is, and how fortunate we are to work alongside such dedicated medical professionals, patients, and families. The warmth with which our team is welcomed each year never loses its meaning, and we are continually inspired by the resilience and spirit of the people we meet.
During this year's mission, our team carried out 60 cardiac scans and 15 open-heart surgeries, working in close partnership with the dedicated staff at Galle National Hospital in Karapitiya. Behind every scan and every operation is a child being given renewed hope of life, and the opportunity for a healthier future for them and their families.
We were once again honoured to welcome the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Hansaka Wijemuni, to Galle National Hospital. Having visited our team during last year's mission, it was particularly special to welcome him back. Over the past year, Dr Hansaka has become a great supporter of the work Take Heart is doing in Sri Lanka, recognising the importance of our ongoing commitment to improving children's cardiac care. His continued interest and encouragement mean a great deal to our team and further strengthen the relationships that are so important to the future of this work. Dr Hansaka’s visit generated huge publicity for the Charity within the Sri Lankan media, being aired on prime-time TV, and covered by most National newspapers, as well as some National media in UK.
Our partnership with Galle National Hospital continues to grow, and it is through these lasting relationships with the Sri Lankan medical community that we can make a meaningful difference. Alongside treating children with complex heart conditions, we remain committed to sharing knowledge, developing local expertise and helping to build the long-term capacity for cardiac care in Sri Lanka.
The new Director General of the hospital, Dr Priyantha Athapaththu, spoke passionately of how important our work is regarded, both from a local and indeed Government perspective, and expressed his wishes for Take Heart to increase its visits to The National Hospital Galle every year and to carry out significantly more surgeries on critically sick children if logistics allowed, a matter the Trustees will discuss with Sponsors and Partners over the coming weeks.
A very special thank you goes once again to the Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel, where our team stayed throughout the mission. The team at the Lighthouse go above and beyond to ensure our team are well supported and cared for.
None of this work could happen without the continued generosity of our donors, sponsors and supporters. Your contributions help fund the equipment, resources and expertise needed to give children with critical heart conditions life-changing treatment. Every scan, every operation and every life changed is made possible through your support, every donation made goes directly towards each life saved.
Thank you for continuing to stand alongside us. Together, we are helping to give more children in Sri Lanka the chance of a healthier future.
Finally, and as always, our heartfelt thanks go to every member of the Take Heart medical and support team, all of whom are volunteers giving their time, expertise and energy so generously, working through long and demanding days, their compassion, professionalism and commitment are what make these missions possible.
We very much hope that with your support we will be able to continue our missions in the future.
Kind regards,
Paul D.P. Scally Chairman, Professor John Simpson, and Mr Conal Austin
Trustees
