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

Head Of Unit
Ecological Conservation And Plantation People
hou.ecpp@caritaslk.org
National Coordinator
Sustainable Agriculture And Food Security
nilani.me@caritaslk.org
Project Officer
Community Empowerment and Safe Migration
chaturani.migration@caritaslk.org
Head of Unit
Community Empowerment and Safe Migration
michelle.migration@caritaslk.org
Programme Officer
Ecological Conservation and Plantation People
Shopa.ecpp@caritaslk.org
Project Officer
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
evanjalina.drrm@caritaslk.org
Programme Coordinator
Ecological Conservation and Plantation People
niranjani.ecpp@caritaslk.org
Regional Coordinator
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
hershanth.fs@caritaslk.org
Programme Officer
Ecological Conservation and Plantation People
sirantha.ecpp@caritaslk.org
Regional Coordinator
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
amali.fs@caritaslk.org