The Girls’ Friendly Society in Sri Lanka has a rich history of 119 years and is headquartered in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It was the first women's organization in the country's Anglican Church. This ministry, which spread throughout the island many years ago went through a quiet period and was revived again, for which we our thankful.  Today, the GFS has 20 branches in the outstations in the Central, Eastern and Southern Provinces.  Two GFS Regional Offices with a Regional Coordinator in each office, functions in the Central and Southern Provinces to serve the GFS branches and their communities. We have a few GFS Coordinators working in other areas that we serve as well.

The GFS Sri Lanka is honored and excited to have the privilege of having our very own Immediate Past President, Ms. Jeanne Withanage appointed as the World President for the years 2023-2026.   This gives the GFS Sri Lanka, the opportunity to be the host country and three ladies from the GFS Sri Lanka serving in key positions on the World Team.   

Our mission is to work with and for girls and women irrespective of racial and religious barriers, to provide them with life-changing opportunities through social, educational and cultural activities. 

Our membership consists of girls "Pink Pearls" (teens & youth) and "Star Sapphires" (children) and women in adult groups.

Our main service project is the Hostel for working girls which came into existence in the year 1957. This hostel served a great need by providing safe, basic accommodation for girls coming into the city of Colombo for the first time, for employment. Currently, the hostel is being renovated.

Our regular programmes focus on holistic development and addresses Christian life, education, culture, health, environment, public awareness, various assistance to the community, especially focusing on women and children. Programmes such as UN Orange Day programmes, support for Sunday school meals for children in deserving communities, support during natural disasters, support provided to government hospitals and many more programmes.    

Our special programmes: We support women's access to secure livelihoods and economic growth, a community project was initiated to assist low income women in rural areas to market home-grown fresh produce and other home-made items to the city consumer at low cost. A sewing project was completed in Hambantota where we had a successful graduation for the ladies and girls who completed the course.   We have started a computer lab in an outstation branch to provide computer literacy to children and young adults in remote areas. Our plan is to expand this opportunity for skills development in other outstation branches as well.

World Project: We were the recipients of the GFS World Project in 2017 and are in the final stages of the English for Employable Prospects (EEP) project.

Our funding: We raise funds through two annual sales, one in March & the other in December held at the GFS Hall. We also raise funds through support received from friends & family. However, we have placed our unwavering faith and trust in God to take of all the work of the GFS in Sri Lanka.

The GFS Sri Lanka is moving forward and upward, spreading the love of God through various projects and programmes and by the untiring and committed services that we will continue to provide in diverse ways.                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                               
Contact Person:  President:   Rohini Ratnam                  email: rohini.ratnam@outlook.com

Mobile: +94760964388