Child Action Lanka marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a colourful and inspiring event held at the Tower Hall Theatre in Maradana. The celebration brought together partners, volunteers, children, community members, well-wishers, and supporters who have contributed to the organisation’s remarkable journey over the past two decades. Among them long-time friends, fundraisers and supporters from Belgium, the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands and Australia were in attendance.
The festivities began a day earlier, on Friday 25th September, with the final of Child Action Lanka’s UEFA-supported football project, Play Together, Rise Together, contested between the organisation’s Child Development Centres of Akkarayan and Galle. The celebrations also brought together over 250 children from Child Action Lanka’s centres across Sri Lanka including Galle, Kandy, Gampola, Nuwara Eliya, Kilinochchi, Akkarayan, Mullaitivu and Batticaloa, who travelled to Colombo to take part in the anniversary.
Founded in 2006, Child Action Lanka began with a simple yet powerful vision: to create a safer, healthier, and more empowering environment for vulnerable children and their families. What started as a modest initiative in a church basement in Kandy has grown into a large charitable organisation with a presence across 11 locations, largely serving rural communities in the north, dedicated to promoting children’s rights, education, protection, nutrition, health and community development across Sri Lanka.
Over the last twenty years, Child Action Lanka has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of thousands of children through educational support, child protection programmes and community empowerment initiatives. The organisation’s success has been built on strong partnerships with local communities, government institutions, international supporters, and a passionate network of volunteers who have remained committed to its mission.
The anniversary event was a celebration not only of achievements but also of the resilience and potential of the children and communities served by the organisation. The programme featured cultural performances by children, presentations highlighting key milestones, and heartfelt testimonials from community members whose lives have been positively impacted by Child Action Lanka’s work.
The Chief Guest for the occasion was renowned child rights advocate Dr Radhika Coomaraswamy, whose presence added special significance to the event. In a meaningful address to the gathering, Dr Coomaraswamy spoke of the significance of how children from humble beginnings have gone on to achieve great things in life, reflecting on the resilience and potential that Child Action Lanka’s work has nurtured in the children it serves.
As part of the proceedings, Child Action Lanka set aside a special segment to thank those who have been close supporters of the organisation over the years. Among those recognised were representatives from the British High Commission and the Japanese Embassy, members of the Board, and partner organisations including Epiphany Trust, Feed the Hungry and Oxford Falls Grammar School. Other corporate and local supporters of Child Action Lanka, along with several Government offices, were also acknowledged for their continued support and partnership.
Speaking at the event, members of the organisation reflected on the journey from its humble beginnings to becoming a trusted force for positive change. They expressed gratitude to everyone who has supported the organisation throughout the years and reaffirmed their commitment to building a brighter future for children.
As Child Action Lanka enters its third decade, the organisation looks ahead with renewed determination and hope. The 20th Anniversary celebration served as a powerful reminder that when communities, partners, and volunteers unite around a common purpose, lasting and meaningful change is possible for every child.
