By Ifham Nizam

In a landmark move that signals a shift in corporate philanthropy in Sri Lanka, Janashakthi Group (JXG) has entered into a pioneering partnership with the President’s Fund to provide financial support for children requiring urgent medical care—irrespective of ethnicity, religion, region, or social standing.

Addressing journalists at the Hilton, Colombo, Managing Director/Group CEO Ramesh Schaffter said the initiative was not born out of obligation, but conviction.

“Nobody asked us, because nobody had to. From our very inception, Janashakthi has stepped up where we have seen a need,” Schaffter said.

He added: “Today, we are stepping up again—not alone, but in partnership with the highest charitable institution in the country, the President’s Fund.”

This collaboration marks the first time a corporate entity has formally aligned itself with the President’s Fund in such a comprehensive and structured manner. While individuals and organisations have contributed financially in the past,

Janashakthi’s approach goes further—committing to match funding for medical cases approved by the Fund, effectively doubling the resources available for life-saving treatments.

At the heart of the initiative lies a simple yet powerful principle: every Sri Lankan child deserves equal access to healthcare.

“Which child? Any child. Which province? Any province. Which race? Any race. Which religion? Any religion,” Schaffter emphasised. “They are all children of Sri Lanka—the next generation that must take their place in this nation.”

The mechanism is deliberately streamlined. The President’s Fund, with its established network of medical experts and evaluative processes, will continue to vet applications and determine eligibility. Once approved, Janashakthi will mirror the financial support extended.

Responding to Ths Island Financial Review, he added:

“We are not here to reinvent the wheel,” Schaffter noted. “If the President’s Fund supports a case—whether treatment is in Sri Lanka or overseas—we will match it. If they give one, we give one. If they give two, we give two.”

This alignment ensures efficiency, credibility, and speed—critical factors in medical emergencies where delays can cost lives.

Beyond the operational framework, the initiative reflects a broader rethinking of corporate responsibility. Moving beyond conventional labels such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Janashakthi is reframing its philosophy in more human terms.

“We just want to call it compassion—profit with a compassionate face,” Schaffter said. “Every corporate body has a responsibility not just to make profits, but to give back meaningfully to society.”

Importantly, the Group has made it clear that the initiative will not be used as a platform for publicity.

“We are not doing this for advertising mileage,” he stressed. “You will not see us parading children or showcasing beneficiaries. The purpose of this press conference is awareness—not recognition.”

This ethos is consistent with Janashakthi’s past interventions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group quietly supported 14 hospitals with over Rs. 40 million worth of critical equipment, including ventilators, oxygen systems, and even the refurbishment of entire wards—without public fanfare.

“If this effort can save even one child, it will be worth it,” Schaffter said.

Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary to the President’s Fund, G.G.S.C. Roshan, welcomed the partnership, noting that it would significantly enhance the Fund’s capacity to respond to urgent medical needs, including cases requiring treatment overseas.

“The President’s Fund already supports such cases, sometimes even facilitating treatment in countries like India or Singapore when necessary,” he explained. “With Janashakthi coming alongside us, that support can now be strengthened.”

The initiative is funded through contributions from Janashakthi’s operating businesses, effectively channelling a portion of corporate profits directly into life-saving interventions.

Group Chief Marketing Officer of JXG, Ghamike De Silva, stressed that this was not a one-off gesture but part of a sustained commitment to social responsibility.

“This is a significant financial commitment drawn from our business operations,” he said. “It reflects our belief that success must be shared—especially with those who need it most.”

Respoding to The Island Financial Review JXG Founder & Chairman Emeritus C T A Schaffter issued a broader call to action for Sri Lanka’s corporate sector, urging others to follow suit.

“This is a journey of recovery and progress that cannot be achieved by the government alone,” he said. “Corporate citizens and individuals alike must carry part of the responsibility. There is much more that can—and must—be done.”

His remarks were also deeply personal. Reflecting on his own childhood marked by loss and hardship, Schaffter spoke of growing up dependent on the generosity of others.

An emotional Schaffter added:

“When you have lived without, when you have relied on charity, you understand what it means to need help,” he said. “That understanding shapes how you choose to give.”

As Sri Lanka navigates its path toward economic recovery, initiatives like this highlight a growing recognition that financial performance and social impact are not mutually exclusive—but mutually reinforcing.

By embedding compassion into its business model, Janashakthi is not merely funding healthcare—it is redefining the role of corporate Sri Lanka in nation-building.

And in doing so, it may well set a precedent for others to follow.