St. Luke's Home - Nawala
The St. Luke’s Home is located at No. 40, Walter Gunasekera Mawatha, Nawala. This project commenced in June 1980 when Miss. D.K. Daniel, a teacher by profession bequeathed her residence to the Bishop of Colombo with a request that it be used to provide shelter for destitute women and girls from the outstations, furthering their tertiary studies in Colombo
From the inception of the project on 01 June 1980, the Home is managed by a Board of Management comprising members of the Parish with the Vicar as the Chairperson. A matron, cook and maid comprise the permanent staff with a gardener on call when necessary.
Comfortable facilities are available for 08 elder ladies’ downstairs and 12 young ladies upstairs in shared accommodation. In residency at present are 07 elder residents and 12 younger residents. The elder residents are Christians, above 60 years of age and consider the Home a restful refuge and a home away from home. The younger residents are from the outstations completing their tertiary education and/or in employment. The daily meals are prepared from a set of menus drawn up with professional advice considering the residents’ age and health concerns. The policy of The St. Luke’s Home is to levy a modest and affordable monthly fee. This modest charge is in keeping with the Donors wish and is the challenge in managing a viable Project. The support by grants, donations and meal donations from the Parish and its members and other well-wishers has ensured continuity of the Project for 44 years.
The resident’s Pastoral care and Spiritual needs are attended to by the Vicar and Clergy of the Parish. A Service of Eucharist is conducted once a month at the Home. Most residents attend Sunday Service at St. Luke’s Church, others a Church of their choice. The Matron leads the residents in a time of Prayer, scripture reading and hymns every evening. A weekly Bible study is conducted by Mr. O. H. S. Perera at the Home.
An annual Christmas Party with gifts for all residents, singing of carols followed by a sumptuous dinner is the highlight of the year’s activities. The residents also participate in other programmes for Elders conducted by the Parish, sister Parishes and other organizations associated with Elder care and welfare.
The residents are a cheerful lot who enjoy TV, radio, music, cards and board games but look forward eagerly to visitors to relieve the boredom of residential care. We encourage our Parish organizations to visit the Home regularly and interact with the residents.
The building housing the project is about 50 years old, hence regular maintenance and upgrades are required to keep it functional and safe. Over the last few years several bathrooms and the services were upgraded. Going solar and providing hot water is the next phase of development. These upgrades require additional funds, details of which can be obtained from the Vicar and Chair of the Board.
We are very thankful to ALMIGHTY GOD for the opportunity to be part of this special ministry of care giving. We thank all Parishioners and well-wishers for contributing in cash and kind especially those who regularly contribute meals. A special mention is made of the Elizabeth Moir School in Colombo who visit the Home on an annual basis as a CSR initiative and donate dry rations and even electrical appliances on request.
We also kindly acknowledge the interest and support of Rev Lakshman Daniel; former Vicar, Ven. Perry Brohier; the present Vicar, Rev. Tilak Jayawardena; Asst Curate; their families and the members of the Board of Wardens for their support and interest in the affairs of the Home.