Sri Lanka Mahila Samiti

The Beginnings

The Lanka Mahila Samiti (LMS) is a nationally recognized, non-profit voluntary organization

and one of the oldest women’s associations in Sri Lanka, established in 1930. It was

incorporated by Ordinance Act No. 45 of the State Council of Ceylon in 1946 and declared an

approved charity.

From its inception, the LMS has been dedicated to uplifting rural women and children across

the country. The organization was founded by a group of compassionate and cultured urban

women, led by Dr. Mary Ratnam-a Canadian by birth-who deeply empathized with the

challenges faced by their rural sisters. They clearly saw poverty and ignorance as root causes

of these struggles and believed that, with encouragement and support, rural women could

significantly improve the social, health, and economic conditions of their homes and

communities. Guided by the vision to “brighten the darkness of poverty and ignorance,” LMS

has played a vital role in national development at the grassroots level.

A Bond of Friendship: LMS and Adoptie Sri Lanka Belgium

The Lanka Mahila Samiti shares a deep and enduring bond of friendship and mutual respect

with Adoptie Sri Lanka Belgium, a relationship that has flourished for over 25 years.

We are immensely grateful for the support and encouragement that Adoptie Sri Lanka

Belgium has consistently extended to us. They have been not only a partner but also a

mentor, helping to guide and strengthen our efforts in empowering underprivileged women,

children, and families throughout rural Sri Lanka.

We pay special tribute to the late Mr. Amaradasa Gunawardana, then President of the Sri

Lanka-Belgium Association, who was instrumental in introducing LMS to this

remarkable organization. That introduction marked the beginning of a truly transformative

partnership.

We are also ever grateful to the late Mr. Gaston Dillen, former Chairman of the Belgium NGO,

who visited Sri Lanka on many occasions and generously funded a wide array of LMS

projects. Following in his footsteps, Ms Linda Stabel and Mr. John Van Dijck have continued this legacy of support

by connecting LMS with numerous sister and brother affiliates in Belgium who have helped

fund our initiatives.

The most recent and heartwarming example of this partnership is the nearly completed preschool building in Netholpitiya, Tangalle, in the Hambantota District-sponsored by Adoptie

Sri Lanka Belgium. A soft opening has already been held, and we look forward to celebrating a grand opening in the near future.

We remain deeply thankful for the enduring friendship and generosity of Adoptie Sri Lanka

Belgium, whose continued support has been a beacon of hope and progress in the lives of so many.

Thilaka Perera