Welcome to Caritas Sri Lanka - SEDEC

Join us in building a just and harmonious Sri Lankan society where the dignity of every person is upheld, and marginalized communities are empowered to achieve justice, peace, sustainability, and integral human development.

Caritas Sri Lanka- SEDEC is the social arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka and is affiliated to Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 162 Catholic relief, development, and social service organizations present in 200 countries and territories.

Our national centre is located in the Archdiocese of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city. Our vision is radiated to the far corners of the island through 13 Diocesan Centres. Caritas Sri Lanka- SEDEC is also the national secretariat of the National Catholic Commission for Justice Peace and Human Development.

Caritas Sri Lanka, with support from diocesan centres and local and international partners, is dedicated to creating a sustainable future. During natural disasters and ongoing struggles with climate change and social issues, we focus on empowering those in need through environmental conservation, building sustainable livelihoods, and youth training programmes.

Mother holding child in community setting

Project Beneficiaries

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All projects’ beneficiaries

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Disaster Risk Reduction & Emergencies

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Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security

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Justice, Peace & Human Development

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Access to Education

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Climate Change & Environmental Protection

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Health & Nutrition

Our Network

Caritas Sri Lanka, operating under the Social Services Development Secretariat (SSDS) of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, maintains a strong presence across all 13 Catholic dioceses of the country (Colombo, Galle, Chilaw, Kandy, Kurunegala, Badulla, Anuradhapura, Ratnapura, Trincomalee, Jaffna, Mannar, Batticaloa, and Vanni). Each diocesan office facilitates programmes to address the unique social, economic, and cultural needs of its local communities, offering services that include poverty alleviation, disaster relief, livelihood support, education, healthcare, peacebuilding, and advocacy. From urban centres to remote rural villages and post-conflict regions, Caritas Sri Lanka works tirelessly to promote human dignity, social justice, and sustainable development, rooted in the values of compassion, solidarity, and Catholic Social Teaching. Our nationwide network ensures that assistance reaches people of all faiths and backgrounds, making it one of the most trusted humanitarian organizations on the island.

Click on the logo to find out more about each diocese.

Sri Lanka Map

Latest News & Updates

A Grateful Farewell and a Warm Welcome: Caritas Sri Lanka Embraces New Leadership

A Grateful Farewell and a Warm Welcome: Caritas Sri Lanka Embraces New Leadership

27 JUN 25

On the 27th of June 2025, the Caritas Sri Lanka-SEDEC premises in Colombo became the heart of a memorable occasion...

Building Bridges: Bringing Plantation Youth Together for Peace and Leadership

Building Bridges: Bringing Plantation Youth Together for Peace and Leadership

24 JUN 25

Caritas Sri Lanka, in collaboration with Caritas Ratnapura – Sethmini and with the generous support of AGIAMONDO...

A Momentous Occasion: Caritas Asia President Dr. Benedict Alo D'Rozario's Inspiring Visit

A Momentous Occasion: Caritas Asia President Dr. Benedict Alo D'Rozario's Inspiring Visit

06 FEB 24

In a heartening event on the 6th of February 2024, Caritas Sri Lanka opened its doors to an esteemed guest...

Strengthening Bonds for Sustainable Development: Partner Visit by Irasil Foundation

Strengthening Bonds for Sustainable Development: Partner Visit by Irasil Foundation

27 MAY 25

From the 27th of May to the 9th of June 2025, Caritas Sri Lanka had the privilege of hosting Mr. Gerard Chitty and Mrs. Shivanthi Chitty...

Priority Sectors

Human Development and Social Inclusion

Sector 1

Empowering vulnerable communities through education, livelihoods, and social protection.

Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security

Sector 2

Strengthening communities through sustainable agriculture and reliable food systems.

Environmental Protection & Climate Change Adaptation

Sector 3

Building resilience through sustainable agriculture, reforestation, and eco-friendly practices.

Disaster Risk Reduction & Anticipatory Action

Sector 4

Strengthening preparedness, early warning systems, and rapid response for disasters.

Peacebuilding, Justice & Social Cohesion

Sector 5

Promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and advocacy for justice and human rights.

Safe Migration & Reintegration

Sector 6

Safeguarding migrant workers and supporting dignified reintegration for returnees.

OUR PARTNERS

Working together for a better tomorrow

Caritas Internationalis
Caritas Asia
CAFOD
Caritas Norge
Kinder
CRS
Misereor
START Network
START Network
START Network
AGIAMONDO
Another Partner

Donate Now

Helping Hands: Rebuilding Lives After Cyclone Ditwah

Your generous donations will have a meaningful impact on those affected by Cyclone Ditwah. With your support, we can assist them in rebuilding their lives, helping them to recover and restore their livelihoods, and providing a foundation for a fresh start.

Testimonials

Profile

"My internship at Caritas Sri Lanka offered invaluable experience in community engagement and insights into environmentalism, which I believe will significantly enhance my future career prospects."

InternCaritas Sri Lanka - SEDEC
Profile

"As an intern at Caritas Sri Lanka, I was exposed to meaningful fieldwork that complemented my academic knowledge. Working closely with staff and beneficiaries taught me the value of empathy and teamwork. It was a truly transformative learning experience."

InternCaritas Sri Lanka - SEDEC
Profile

"My journey as a volunteer with Caritas Sri Lanka allowed me to actively participate in field activities and serve vulnerable communities. Being on the ground and witnessing change firsthand was deeply fulfilling. This experience strengthened my commitment to social service."

VolunteerCaritas Chilaw - Janasaviya
Profile

"Volunteering with Caritas Sri Lanka through field engagement gave me a deeper understanding of community needs. Working alongside dedicated staff was both inspiring and humbling. It is a journey that has left a lasting impact on my life."

VolunteerCaritas Kandy - SETIK
Profile

"Being part of the Caritas Sri Lanka Youth Group has been a meaningful journey of learning and service. Through field visits and community activities, I learned the value of compassion, teamwork, and social responsibility, inspiring me to serve society with purpose and confidence."

YouthCaritas Jaffna - Valvuthayam
Profile

"My journey with Caritas Sri Lanka Youth Group helped me grow personally and socially. Fieldwork and community programs showed me the challenges faced by vulnerable communities, inspiring me to become a more responsible and active youth leader."

YouthCaritas Ratnapura - Sethmini
Profile

"Through Caritas Sri Lanka’s Food Security Project, I improved my livelihood and food production. Now, my family has better access to nutritious food and stable income, bringing confidence and security."

FOOD SECURITY PROJECT – BENEFICIARY
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"The Caritas Sri Lanka Peace Project taught me the importance of unity, respect, and understanding different cultures, religions, and races. It made me more confident to help promote peace and harmony in my community."

PEACE PROJECT – BENEFICIARY
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"Through Caritas Sri Lanka’s Thalassemia Project, we received awareness, financial aid for medicines, and psychosocial support. This reduced our stress and helped us face the condition with hope. Knowing we’re not alone has made a big difference."

THALASSEMIA PROJECT – BENEFICIARY
Profile

"Through Caritas Sri Lanka’s Environmental Project, I learned climate-smart agriculture and received plants, helping me protect the environment and improve my livelihood. The project inspired me to care for nature sustainably. With support from the VITAL project funded by OHOB, I am now fulfilling my dream of producing onion seeds. Caritas has made a real difference in my life."

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT – BENEFICIARY

How can we help you?

Speak with us

Reach out to our team on WhatsApp for support, inquiries, or assistance related to our services and programmes.

+94 704 734 322

Contact Caritas

Send us a message and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

director.sec@caritaslk.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our mission, programmes, and how you can support our work.

View FAQs