About Caritas hero background

Our Story

Compassion | Service | Solidarity

Our Mission

Empowering marginalised communities through transformative action, compassion, and solidarity, promoting justice, peace, sustainability, and integral human development through inclusion, integral ecology, and strategic partnerships

Our Vision

Realising a just Sri Lankan society rooted in Gospel values, upholding dignity, transforming consciousness, and fostering national harmony beyond all differences

Caritas Sri Lanka - SEDEC

The social arm of the Catholic Bishops' Conference in Sri Lanka

Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC (Socio Economic Development Centre) is the social development arm of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Sri Lanka. It is legally recognized under the Parliamentary Act No. 17 of 1983, also known as the Catholic Bishops' Conference in Sri Lanka (Incorporation) Act, and is affiliated with Caritas Internationalis. Established in 1968, Caritas Sri Lanka operates through 13 Diocesan Centres covering all 25 districts of the country, with a strong focus on areas requiring priority interventions.

Caritas Sri Lanka - SEDEC is the National Secretariat of the Commission for Justice, Peace and Human Development of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka. In each Diocese, Caritas Sri Lanka - SEDEC has an implementing Caritas Diocesan Secretariat.

Caritas Sri Lanka engages a wide range of stakeholders who are essential to its strategic planning and effective operations. Internally, the Chairman, Board of Directors, Executive Director of Caritas National Centre, and the Senior Leadership Team provide governance, oversight, and overall programme direction. The Core Team includes, the National Office staff and 13 Caritas Diocesan Centers' staff, Programme Managers, Finance and Operational teams, and the Disaster Management Team. They ensure effective coordination, implementation, and risk mitigation, forming the backbone of the organization's operational and strategic framework.

Diocesan Directors and representatives play a vital role in linking the national structure with local communities. They support grassroots engagement, convey community perspectives, and ensure diocesan priorities are reflected in the national strategic plan. Their involvement strengthens accountability, improves feedback mechanisms, and promotes ownership of interventions. By connecting local realities with national strategies, they enable Caritas Sri Lanka to deliver culturally appropriate, community-focused programmes that address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term development goals across all regions.

LEGAL STATUS

Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC, attains its legal status under Parliamentary Act No. 17 of 1983 which is an Act to Incorporate the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka.

This Act is cited as the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka (Incorporation) Act No. 17 of 1983.

OUR TEAM

Rt. Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera

Rt. Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera

ChairmanCaritas, Sri Lanka - SEDECbpharryp@gmail.com

Most Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera, Bishop of Kurunegala, serves as the Chairman of the Catholic Bishops' Conference in Sri Lanka and the Chairman of Caritas Sri Lanka. He holds a Master's degree in Theology and previously served as the Chairman of Caritas Sri Lanka during the Tsunami period, providing visionary leadership in responding to the needs of disaster-affected communities. throughout his 45 years of priesthood and spiritual life, Bishop Harold has consistently translated his faith into action, dedicating himself to promote of social harmony, humanitarian values, and the dignity of every person. He continues to guide his flock with integrity, compassion, and unwavering devotion as a true shepherd of the Church.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Anton Wyman Croos

Rt. Rev. Dr. Anton Wyman Croos

Vice ChairmanCaritas, Sri Lanka - SEDECAntonwyman@gmail.com

Most Rev. Dr. Anton Wyman Croos is the Vice Chairman of Caritas Sri Lanka and the Bishop of the Diocese of Ratnapura. He holds a Licentiate in Pastoral Theology and Christology. Ordained in the year 2000, he has faithfully served God and his people for over 25 years with deep commitment and pastoral zeal. Bishop Anton has dedicated his ministry to uplifting poor and marginalized communities, fostering peace, and strengthening human solidarity. During his tenure as the Diocesan Director of Caritas Chilaw, he stood firmly with the people in addressing critical social issues, particularly advocating against illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters. His life and ministry reflect a profound commitment to service, justice, and the building of compassionate and resilient communities.

Rev. Fr. Luke Nelson Perera

Rev. Fr. Luke Nelson Perera

DirectorCaritas, Sri Lanka - SEDEC

Rev. Fr. Luke Nelson Perera, Executive Director of Caritas Sri Lanka, holds a degree in Philosophy and Theology. Ordained to the priesthood in 1991, he has dedicated nearly 35 years of service to the most vulnerable and marginalized communities across Sri Lanka. He has also served as the National Director of the Catholic National Commission for Interreligious and Ecumenism, fostering dialogue, harmony, and cooperation among diverse faith communities. From 2019 to 2022, he served as the Diocesan Director of Caritas Chilaw, standing in solidarity with communities facing acute social and economic challenges. Rooted in the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, Fr. Luke continues his mission as a faithful servant of God, shepherding the Caritas Sri Lanka family with deep faith, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serve the most underprivileged with love and dignity.

Mr. Priyantha Fernando

Mr. Priyantha Fernando

Programme Manager

priyantha.fc@caritaslk.org
Mr. Nirmal Chaminda

Mr. Nirmal Chaminda

Finance Manager

Finance

nirmal.ncacc@caritaslk.org
Mrs. Wendy Starling

Mrs. Wendy Starling

Director Secretary

Director.sec@caritaslk.org
Mr. R. Jayasiri Premaratne

Mr. R. Jayasiri Premaratne

Head Of Unit

Ecological Conservation And Plantation People

hou.ecpp@caritaslk.org
Mrs. Nilani Tissera

Mrs. Nilani Tissera

National Coordinator

Sustainable Agriculture And Food Security

nilani.me@caritaslk.org
Mr. P. Sagataraj

Mr. P. Sagataraj

Head Of Unit

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

sagayaraj.drm@caritaslk.org
Mr. John Anthony Eliyas

Mr. John Anthony Eliyas

Administrative Officer

Admin

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Mr. Chaminda Perera

Mr. Chaminda Perera

Head Of Unit

Admin

chaminda.po@caritaslk.org
Mr. Shirley Hough

Mr. Shirley Hough

Assistant Administrative Officer

Admin

shirley.admin@caritaslk.org
Mr. Terrence Codipily

Mr. Terrence Codipily

IT / MEDIA COORDINATOR

IT

it@caritaslk.org
Mr. Rukesh Sanmuganathan

Mr. Rukesh Sanmuganathan

Accounts Officer

Finance

lindsay.rr.sanmuga@caritaslk.org
Ms. Chathurika Wijesinghe

Ms. Chathurika Wijesinghe

Finance Officer

Finance

chathurika.accounts@caritaslk.org
Mr. Milroy Fernando

Mr. Milroy Fernando

Programme Finance Manager

Finance

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Mrs. Ann Rathayake

Mrs. Ann Rathayake

Project Accountant

Finance

ann.finance@caritaslk.org
Mr. Nemal Fernando

Mr. Nemal Fernando

Accounting Officer

Finanace

nemal.fn@caritaslk.org
Ms. Thayagi Silva

Ms. Thayagi Silva

Accounts Assistant / Cashier

Finance

thayagi.finance@caritaslk.org
Ms. Shelani David

Ms. Shelani David

Accounting Officer

Finanace

shelani.fn@caritaslk.org
Miss Chathurani Hettiarachchi

Miss Chathurani Hettiarachchi

Project Officer

Community Empowerment and Safe Migration

chaturani.migration@caritaslk.org
Ms. Michelle Senarathne

Ms. Michelle Senarathne

Head of Unit

Community Empowerment and Safe Migration

michelle.migration@caritaslk.org
Rev. Sr. Ushani Perera

Rev. Sr. Ushani Perera

Head of Unit

Sustainable Peace and Justice

hou.spj@caritaslk.org
Miss. Shopanjani Sivanantharajah

Miss. Shopanjani Sivanantharajah

Programme Officer

Ecological Conservation and Plantation People

Shopa.ecpp@caritaslk.org
Mrs. Sagayamalar Joseph

Mrs. Sagayamalar Joseph

Administrative Secretary

sedec@caritaslk.org
Ms. Evanjalina Sampathawaduge

Ms. Evanjalina Sampathawaduge

Project Officer

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

evanjalina.drrm@caritaslk.org
Ms. Niranjani Roland

Ms. Niranjani Roland

Programme Coordinator

Ecological Conservation and Plantation People

niranjani.ecpp@caritaslk.org
Mr. Kulendran Hershanth

Mr. Kulendran Hershanth

Regional Coordinator

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security

hershanth.fs@caritaslk.org
Mr. A. Sirantha Rihan

Mr. A. Sirantha Rihan

Programme Officer

Ecological Conservation and Plantation People

sirantha.ecpp@caritaslk.org
Ms. Amali Shamini

Ms. Amali Shamini

Regional Coordinator

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security

amali.fs@caritaslk.org
Mr. Dhanushka Gomes

Mr. Dhanushka Gomes

Accounting Officer

Finance

dhanushka.fn@caritaslk.org
Miss. Chamika Herath

Miss. Chamika Herath

Project Officer

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

chamika.drrm@caritaslk.org
Miss. Oshadi Senuri

Miss. Oshadi Senuri

Communication Coordinator

Communication

commu.csl@caritaslk.org
Miss. Eureshi Kaveesha

Miss. Eureshi Kaveesha

Programme Officer

Sustainable Peace and Justice

kaveesha.spj@caritaslk.org