Registered in 1948, Sree Narayana Mission is one of the most important legacies of the Malayalee community in Singapore. Its founders were mostly Malayalee workers who migrated from Kerala, South India, between the 1920s and 1960s to work at the Naval Base in Sembawang.
The founders were deeply influenced by teachings of Sree Narayana Guru (1855-1928), which emphasise that humanity is universal and all humans should be treated with dignity regardless of race or religion. Despite their migrant roots, these Malayalee workers gathered funds from their community to start the mission in Sembawang in the 1940s. As it became more established, it began to undertake social and charitable work, such as giving education bursaries to residents from all races in Sembawang. A mission building was constructed In 1952 along West Hill Road (formerly located where Sembawang New Town is today). Dedicated to promoting understanding between different religions and cultures, it also regularly organised workshops, talks and symposiums on these topics.
In 1979, the mission converted a military hospital in the former Naval Base into a home for the destitute elderly and sick. As the facilities were limited, the home moved to the former Sembawang Hospital along Canberra Road in 1983. Due to redevelopment of Sembawang, the home later moved to Yishun. The current home along Yishun Avenue 5 was officially opened in 1994.
Today, Sree Narayana Mission continues to be active in serving the community by offering counselling services, financial aid, food relief and scholarships. It also runs a home for the aged here in Yishun and the Sree Narayana Mission Meranti Home @ Meranti Village at Buangkok Green for mentally burnt-out patients.