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Sri Lanka

Compassion partnership began 2010

EST. 2010

Ayubowan! When you arrive in Sri Lanka, you’ll be stepping into the ‘Resplendent Island’, named after its colourful and lush landscapes. Sri Lanka is known for its tea plantations and love of cricket. In its neighbourhoods, you’ll meet humble, hospitable people who love connecting with others over shared meals.

Population

21 M

Capital city

Colombo

Local time

Current Weather

, 0°C

Distance to Australia

9,065 km
In Sri Lanka, your neighbours are struggling to meet their basic needs. Amid an ongoing economic crisis, parents find it hard to put food on the table, weakening children’s growth and development. Many children have fallen behind in their learning, with a quarter of youth not finishing school. Without education, there is no path out of poverty.

Poverty in Sri Lanka

1%
of people live in extreme poverty
1 in 4
youth do not complete high school
16%
of children under 5 experience stunted growth

Yet our local partners are on the move in Sri Lanka. By delivering food packs to families in need, children are restoring their strength. When children aren’t worried where their next meal is coming from, they can focus on their future. Through education opportunities, our local partners are helping youth break the cycle of poverty for good.

Compassion in Sri Lanka

145
local partners
31,929

children supported

1,665

babies and their mums supported

Impact in action

Anusiya and Pavesh

Change is happening across Sri Lanka. When 2-year-old Pavesh was registered at his child development centre, he was sleeping in a home where the wind and crows came in. Just one year after enrolling in the Compassion program, our local partners built Pavesh a safe home. Imagine how different Pavesh’s life will look when he graduates!

“I was happy when Pavesh was registered. The centre has supported all of us. We have a safer home, and our food doesn’t get taken by crows. I am given a lot of advice and guidance on how to take care of my children and keep them safe. There are more things to do but I am thankful.”
Anusiya, Pavesh’s mother

Move with us in Sri Lanka

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Help end poverty for a child

Sponsor today for just $55 per month.

Pray that God will open doors for youth in remote areas to continue their studies.

Pray for provision for the many families struggling to find employment in the current economic crisis.

Pray that new child development centres will reach those in greatest need.

Pray for provision and strength for families in poverty who are worst affected by skyrocketing inflation.

Pray that God may heal and sustain children affected by malnutrition.

Pray for your neighbours

Join local churches in bringing these requests before God.

WATCH

WATCH

See the stories. Feel the impact. Move with compassion.

1 Dec 2025
Why a Child’s First 1,000 Days Matter
The first 1,000 days of life are a time of incredible vulnerability and immense potential. With the right support, a mother and her baby can survive, thrive and reach their God-given potential.

Read more

5 Mar 2025
International Women's Day 2025: Bright Futures in Sri Lanka
In Hatton, Sri Lanka, Angel and the local Compassion centre staff are dedicated to empowering young girls, providing them with education, essential supplies and facilities to help them overcome social and economic barriers.

Read more

28 Feb 2025
International Women’s Day 2025: She Sees a Brighter Future
Some girls have all the supplies and support necessary to feel clean, safe, and protected, but this is not true for millions of young girls around the world who live in poverty. This global issue is known as period poverty.

Read more

22 Jan 2025
Saved from the Brink of Death: Pramila and Malathy’s Story
“[Women] can do anything,” says Pramila, a child development tutor at Compassion’s Mums and Babies program in Sri Lanka. “Leading them on the right path and helping to bring positive transformation in their lives is invaluable.”

Read more

10 May 2024
We Must Look After Our Own Backyard—But Can We Extend It?
We’re often told that we need to “look after our own backyard first”. But as our access to knowledge of what is going on around the world increases rapidly, is that possible? Or is it time to extend the boundaries of our yard and embrace our global neighbours?

Read more

25 May 2023
Behind the Stories: Odessa B, Sri Lanka
Whether it’s the gift of homegrown produce or the real-life stories of hope restored, Compassion Sri Lanka photojournalist Odessa never leaves her travels empty-handed. Discover the journey of a Compassion story and read what Odessa wants to share with anyone unsure about child sponsorship.

Read more

24 May 2023
Marnus' Global Food Crisis and 50 for 50 Reflection
I believe strongly in the importance of using what we have, whether that be our natural gifting and abilities, resources, time or platforms to positively impact the lives of those less fortunate than us in the world. Life isn’t about what we achieve. It’s about who we are and how we use what we have for others.

Read more

11 Jan 2022
Asia in Focus: Poverty in Sri Lanka
This scenic nation still carries the scars of decades-long civil war. Poverty continues holding many children back. But Compassion’s local partners are helping Sri Lankan children in poverty to see their potential.

Read more

11 Dec 2020
Day 11: Reframing Gift Giving this Christmas
The best example of generosity at Christmas comes from our Lord as He blessed the entire world with Jesus. So how do we take this example and turn it into generosity towards others?

Read more

28 Jan 2020
The Most Popular Baby Names Around the World
Every continent has its own customs and quirks, including baby names! Check out the most popular ones for children in child development centres across 25 countries—there’s a lot that can be revealed with just a name.

Read more

3 Jul 2019
17 Astonishing Journeys to School by Children in Poverty
How did you get to school as a child? Here’s a look at some of the great lengths children around the world, are going to everyday to get themselves to the classroom.

Read more

24 Jan 2018
Why Doesn't Compassion Work in Conflict Zones?
Nearly one in every nine children live in a conflict zone. So why does Compassion only choose to work in stable communities?

Read more

Explore more countries in Asia

Explore the global neighbourhood
Bangladesh

Est. 2003

Cambodia

Est. 2023

Indonesia

Est. 1968

Myanmar

Est. 2022

Philippines

Est. 1972

Thailand

Est. 1970

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Compassion Australia ABN 67 001 692 566. Authorised to fundraise in NSW (CFN/10658), VIC (FR0010734), QLD (CH1569), SA (CCP2632), TAS (F1A-208) and WA (20740). No authority to fundraise is required in the ACT or NT.