A Life of Service: A Tribute to Ms. Perin Captain

Demonstrating exceptional foresight, Ms. Captain travelled to England to study hospice care for terminally ill cancer patients. On her return, she shared her knowledge with the Executive Committee,  and guided the early planning of the hospice

Ms. Perin Captain

Ms. Perin Captain devoted more than 65 years of selfless voluntary service to the cause of cancer care and patient welfare. She stands as one of the most remarkable figures in the history of the Sri Lanka Cancer Society. She was just 21 years of age when she started working with the Society,  and marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment that would leave an indelible impact on thousands of lives.

One of the most significant milestones of her service was her instrumental role in establishing the Shantha Sevana Hospice in 1996. The Hospice was built by her brother Mr. Sohli Captain and was the first of its kind in Sri Lanka. Demonstrating exceptional foresight, Ms. Captain travelled to England to study hospice care for terminally ill cancer patients. On her return, she shared her knowledge with the Executive Committee,  and guided the early planning of the hospice. During the construction phase, she once again visited England to source essential equipment for the hospice. Following the opening of Shantha Sevana Hospice, her dedication did not waver. Through her efforts, an experienced nurse from the United Kingdom was recruited to train local staff, ensuring high standards of compassionate care. She continued to organise programmes linked to World Hospice Day and other initiatives to sustain awareness and support for hospice services.

From her earliest years with the Society, Ms. Captain displayed extraordinary initiative and dedication. She pioneered fundraising efforts by introducing collection tills across Colombo, a simple yet powerful idea that generated vital funds for cancer patients. Nearly 35 years ago, she went on to establish the collection till at Katunayake International Airport. This initiative continues to serve as a major and sustained source of income for the Society.

Securing tax waivers

For over five decades, Ms. Captain was the driving force behind some of the Society’s most successful fundraising events. She served as the chief organiser of the annual Jumble Sale held each April and the Pavement Fair conducted every alternate year. Her personal engagement with the Board of Investment (BOI) to secure tax waivers ensured that all required materials were received free of charge, allowing every possible rupee to be directed towards patient care.

Her leadership extended well beyond fundraising. Over the years, Ms. Captain held numerous senior positions within the Sri Lanka Cancer Society, including General Secretary, Vice President, President, and Chairperson. In every role, she provided steady guidance, clarity of vision, and unwavering commitment. She also introduced innovative initiatives such as Cycle Parades and Flag Days, further strengthening public awareness and participation. Ms. Captain was also a fearless advocate for the staff of the Sri Lanka Cancer Society, speaking up whenever their welfare required attention. She played a key role in securing electronic equipment and office necessities through donations from leading institutions such as Metropolitan and Abans.

Beyond her official responsibilities, she touched countless lives through personal acts of kindness, providing financial assistance, donating essential items, offering shelter to the underprivileged, and fulfilling the wishes of cancer patients whenever possible. She maintained a close and respectful relationship with the medical professionals at  Apeksha Hospital, working in partnership for the well-being of patients.

Guided by a singular principle -- to collect and channel resources for the welfare of cancer patients -- Ms. Perin Captain gave not only her time and leadership, but also significant personal financial support to the cause. She was, without question, one of the greatest strengths of the Sri Lanka Cancer Society.

Her extraordinary legacy of compassion, dedication, and selfless service will continue to inspire generations to come and will remain forever etched in the heart of the Sri Lanka Cancer Society and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her.

The Sri Lanka Cancer Society