Healthy Living Centre from the Joan de Mel Trust
We’ve all heard that old adage about prevention being better than cure yet how many of us actually live it? You’ll be surprised, say the brains behind the upcoming Healthy Living Centre to be opened in Horton Place, Colombo 7. The well-being centre for holistic and healthy living describes its mission as ‘to evoke a change in the mindset’ yet it’s also set to cater to a growing segment of Lankans passionate about living the complete lifestyle.
Perhaps it is the first of its kind-this is the place for those looking for mental, physical, social and spiritual fulfillment. The project is being spearheaded by what could be described as the ideal candidates for the job; the Joan De Mel Trust carries on the legacy of Joan de Mel, who founded Sri Lanka Sumithrayo together with Founding Director Nalini Ellawala in 1974. Nalini continues to be actively involved in the Trust. She says that the idea for this wellbeing centre was conceptualised a long time ago and is excited to finally see the project come through. Later this month they will have a briefing session for some of the country’s top minds and professionals and call for investment. The Trustees are confident that the opportunity is one not many would pass by.
“We’re evolving from a curative approach to a more preventive one,” says Nalini. “It sounds very obvious but in this field we find that too often people leave things till it’s too late and then the process of healing is much more difficult.” This healthy living centre will be for those who need a safe haven in the heart of the capital’s busiest area. The focus is on minimising what they call the tremendous pressure on a society restricted by stereotypical thinking and cultural patterns.
The centre is to be composed of five main units which the Trust is expecting different investors to take on- of course, they must first be qualified to run these units. Once it’s open you’ll be able to attend the Colombo Forum, a monthly meeting of minds to discuss areas of topical interest. You could pay a visit to the Health Clinic (while it won’t prescribe any medicine you will be able to consult professionals and adopt a healthy attitude to life, says Nalini) and maybe drop in at the Indoor Relaxation centre where you could engage in a spot of yoga, meditation or whatever else takes your fancy. Wander around the art gallery which will open its doors to talented young artists and pay a visit to the Green Café with its organic and heart-healthy offerings. You will also find the currently operational Healthy Lifestyle Unit at this centre. It really is the complete experience, assure the trustees.
“There is an area of 10,000 square feet with everything you could want to live a healthy lifestyle under one roof. And of course, we hope that it will become a place of joy,” says Nalini
This is important to them because Joan herself was a great champion of simply being happy. She set up the Trust in 1999 so that her wealth could be shared with the community to meet the recognised needs in the areas of social and mental wellbeing. For the present Trustees, this project is the greatest testament to her vision.
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