Janaposha Foundation suspends its free meals project

The Janaposha Foundation has suspended its free meals project operational across certain state hospitals with effect from today (Jun 25), the Foundation said in a press release.

The suspension of the project comes in the wake of unsubstantiated allegations levelled against it alleging that it had ulterior motives in providing meals free-of-charge.

Issuing a statement, the Foundation said it had been providing free meals at the Colombo General Hospital, Kalubowila Teaching Hospital, and the Maharagama Cancer Hospital since 2012. 

"...the Foundation initially began operations near the General Hospital Colombo, regardless of cast or creed, untiringly providing free warm wholesome meals to all who visited its center," the release read. It explained that the project was extended across other hospitals since 2016 and 2017. 

Since then nearly half-a-million people who face economic constraints in their lives had been fed through this project, the Janaposha Foundation noted.

"However, it has been brought to the notice of the foundation that their noble intention of serving the poor and the destitute has been misconstrued," the release said.

"...the Foundation is left with no choice but with a heavy heart and a grave sense of despair, forced to suspend operations immediately at the General Hospital, Kalubowila Teaching Hospital and the Maharagama Hospital," the Foundation lamented.