“You cannot have a chance in life if you have not got the foundations of a good education, good overall health, or have the simple basics for livelihood.” 

– Ishara De Silva

Metta Trust’s founder, Ishara, underwent a radical life change after a decade in senior roles in London’s commercial banking industry, ending as Director of Crisis Management for Barclays. With a strong background in Business and Accounting and a Master’s degree from Oxford University, her life took a drastic turn when she was diagnosed with cancer at 29. Choosing alternative medicine over conventional treatments, Ishara returned to Sri Lanka and cured her illness through Ayurveda.

Following her recovery, she spent a month meditating at a UK Buddhist monastery, where she embraced the philosophy that true happiness comes from selfless giving and helping others. This led to the opening of the Plantation Villa, a holistic healing centre in Sri Lanka, in 2012, and a new retreat location in Hereford, UK, in 2020.

Her passion for giving, instilled by her parents who encouraged acts of charity on special occasions, inspired the founding of Metta Trust. Ishara’s dedication to helping others is the main driving force behind it all.

“Love is the highest of human virtues in this whole world that one can give to another.”
– Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero

Now a highly respected and renowned public figure in Sri Lanka and across Asia, Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero chose at a very young age to become a Buddhist monk. He quickly dedicated his life to serving others and helping people overcome their mental suffering. A close life mentor to Ishara since her childhood, the senior monk has consistently guided her, emphasising the importance of giving and helping the less privileged.

Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka blessed the opening of The Plantation Villa, and as the retreat grew in popularity, more guests sought healing under his guidance. He became increasingly involved, counselling and assisting hundreds of guests. Today, he plays a significant role in the direction of Plantation Villa and Metta Trust. As a true leader and living embodiment of selfless giving and Metta (loving-kindness), he serves as a trustee and the main guiding figure for Metta Trust.

“Roshan was both the inspiration for what started Metta Trust and the person who worked hard to make it happen.” – Ishara De Silva

Metta Trust owes much of its existence to Roshan Senevirathne, a devoted trustee and Retreat Manager at Plantation Villa in Sri Lanka. Roshan was the driving force behind the foundation’s creation in early 2013. Starting as Ishara’s first employee, the two quickly became close friends, and he was eventually promoted to full-time manager.

One day, when Ishara visited Roshan’s home—a barely livable space that reflected the hardship of his upbringing—she was struck by the stark contrast between their standards of living: his in a modest village and hers in a luxurious London apartment. This realisation fueled her desire to uplift the underprivileged. Together, they began by uplifting Roshan’s family with a new home, healthcare, and education for his children.

Roshan’s own transformation inspired him to further uplift others in Nehinna village. Supported by surplus funds from Plantation Villa, his efforts led to new toilet facilities at the local school, school supplies for children, and food donations to temples and those in need. His dedication has been instrumental in shaping Metta Trust’s growth, playing a key role in its past successes and future ambitions.