A century of caring
Sri Lankadhara Society's mission to support needy women and girls has grown over the decades
One of the country's first voluntary humanitarian organisations, the Sri Lankadhara Society has now served Sri Lanka’s needy underprivileged citizens for 100 years.
Philanthropists Dr. W. A. de Silva and his wife Catherine founded the society in 1922 to provide care and shelter to impoverished and abandoned Buddhist girls and women during the colonial era. A mansion on several acres of prime property at 95, W.A. Silva Mawatha, Wellawatte, was donated by Dr. de Silva for this purpose. The Sri Lankadhara Society, an authorised charity, is still housed in this mansion.
The founders of the Sri Lankadhara Society had three main goals in mind when they started it a century ago: promoting women's and girls' education; providing a home for abandoned children; and maintaining institutions that would teach and equip women and girls in appropriate fields of work.
Initially residents were trained in skills necessary for their future endeavours. Later the Society expanded its service, opening a preschool for underprivileged
kids and a daycare centre for seniors.
From the organisation's inception, the President, Vice President, Joint Secretaries, Joint Treasurers, and Committee Members all have been elected to serve as Sri Lankadhara Society's sole volunteer managers. Under the guidance of several committees, the Society has now expanded its humanitarian assistance and made every effort to uphold the founders' goals. The Balika House, a shelter for young women from impoverished backgrounds, as well as a home for infants, another for elders, and a preschool are now included in the Society's services.
The society also established an Elderly Daycare Centre, which operated from 1991 until it was halted on medical recommendation when the pandemic started.
Current President of the Sri Lankadhara Society, Nelun Dias says that children from all backgrounds are housed at the home, entrusted to the society by the Department of Probation and Child Care Services or by the Juvenile Courts. She explains that many of these girls come from unstable environments and are victims of abuse, orphans, runaways or those whose parents are unable to care for them.
They are usually educated up to the GCE Ordinary Level and those who qualify for higher studies are encouraged to pursue their Advanced Level examinations and even University level examinations. Currently, the Society has 50 residents, 15 juniors and 35 senior girls, cared for by a staff of 20.
Joint Secretary, Sepalika de Silva told the Sunday Times that the Society also conducts a sponsorship programme to benefit their young residents. Money donated is deposited into a savings account for each child and given to them when they leave.
Committee member Chandra Molligoda who oversees the senior citizens home says that occupants are primarily dependent on donated meals. The Society also relies on donations to provide the necessary medicines, especially when caring for bedridden senior occupants and making funeral arrangements.
The committee members add that in this period of inflation, where even meeting basic requirements is difficult, the government's budget for the care of their residents is insufficient. The Society has consistently sought donations to overcome the shortfall. With the Home itself now 100 years old, renovations are needed to maintain their facilities.
They were unable to celebrate their centenary last year due to the prevailing difficulties, but the Society will be releasing a souvenir in both English and Sinhala at an event to mark the landmark occasion at the BMICH on March 31.