Gamindi Foundation works across Sri Lanka to expand education, strengthen livelihoods, protect rights and create opportunities for children, women and vulnerable communities.
Locally groundedProgrammes shaped through trusted community relationships
Rights-basedDignity, inclusion and human agency at the centre of every initiative
TransparentResponsible governance, measurable outcomes and accountable partnerships
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Quality Education
Opening pathways for underprivileged children.
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Women Empowerment
Skills, income and greater independence.
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Health & Wellbeing
Prevention, awareness and community care.
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Child Protection
Safety, dignity and freedom from abuse.
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Environment
Conservation and sustainable development.
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Community Development
Stronger families and self-reliant villages.
About the organisation
Building safe, inclusive and empowered communities.
Gamindi Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering safe, inclusive and empowered communities. The Foundation works to address structural inequalities by advancing poverty reduction, livelihood development, expanding access to quality education, empowering women, promoting mental health and wellbeing, and safeguarding the rights of children.
Human rights principles guide every aspect of our work. We are committed to ensuring that all individuals, particularly women and children, are able to live with dignity, security and freedom from violence, exploitation and discrimination. We believe that sustainable and equitable social progress is built upon access to education, the protection of human dignity and the creation of meaningful opportunities for all.
A central principle that informs the work of Gamindi Foundation is the protection and development of normative agency—the capacity of individuals to make informed choices, pursue meaningful goals and live lives they have reason to value. Poverty, inequality, violence and lack of access to knowledge often restrict this human capacity. Our work therefore seeks to remove these barriers by empowering individuals with education, awareness and support systems that allow them to exercise agency over their own lives.
By strengthening individuals’ ability to think critically, make informed decisions, and act with autonomy and responsibility, we aim to cultivate empowered citizens capable of shaping their own futures. When individuals are able to make thoughtful and informed choices, they are more likely to make decisions that contribute to personal wellbeing, stronger families and healthier communities.
Over time, this empowerment has the potential to break cycles of disadvantage and exclusion that often persist across generations. By investing in people, particularly children and women, we seek to nurture generations of individuals who are equipped with the knowledge, values and opportunities necessary to lead purposeful lives and contribute positively to society.
Our Vision
A society where every individual has the agency to live a meaningful life, make informed decisions and contribute positively to their families, communities and nation—breaking cycles of poverty and inequality while ensuring dignity, equality and opportunity are accessible to all.
Our Mission
To reduce poverty, expand access to quality education, empower women, protect children, promote mental health and wellbeing, support survivors of violence and strengthen families and communities through practical, rights-based action.
Our programmes
Eleven areas of action supporting dignity, opportunity and stronger communities.
Our programme portfolio responds to interconnected challenges affecting children, women, elders, farmers, religious communities and the natural environment.
01
Sasunata Saviya
A Youth Religious Conference promoting harmonious coexistence among religious leaders and developing young leaders who can prevent conflict shaped by religious and ethnic divisions.
02
Sisunata Saviya
English, Information Technology and educational support for children whose studies have been disrupted by poverty, social inequality and family hardship, including scholarships supported by donors.
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Child Social Welfare
Social welfare programmes addressing the practical needs, safety and wellbeing of underprivileged children and supporting their continued development.
04
Suwayata Saviya
Healthy-living education, awareness on the prevention of non-communicable diseases and free community medical clinics supported by retired medical consultants.
05
Diviyata Saviya
Self-employment training centres, entrepreneurship development and sustainable income opportunities for rural women to help alleviate poverty.
06
Sustainable Agriculture
Knowledge and technical guidance for farmers on crop diversification, sustainable agriculture and livelihood strengthening within Sri Lanka’s agricultural economy.
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Farmer Culture & Heritage
Protection of the social and spiritual values, rituals and cultural traditions of farming communities so they can be preserved for future generations.
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Knowledge & Vocational Centres
Research-oriented institutions, knowledge dissemination initiatives and vocational training centres that promote and preserve Sri Lankan cultural heritage.
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Lone Elder Care
Compassionate care, companionship and practical support for older persons living alone and in need of assistance across Sri Lanka.
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Young Monks Development
Knowledge-enhancement programmes for young monks, supported by structured follow-up and post-programme monitoring to achieve lasting outcomes.
Diviyata Saviya supports rural women through skills training, entrepreneurship development, product improvement, fair income opportunities and access to national and international markets.
Product design and quality improvement
Branding, packaging and digital sales
Market access and international partnerships
Financial literacy and business development
Publications
Research, reports and ideas for meaningful change.
Gamindi Foundation is developing a future publications programme focused on community realities, social development, public policy, education, women’s empowerment, child protection and sustainable development in Sri Lanka.
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Coming soon
Our publications library is being prepared.
Future research reports, policy briefs, annual reports, project evaluations, concept notes and public-interest articles will be available here.
Gamindi Foundation’s work is centred in Kurunegala District, where locally informed partnerships guide programmes in education, community welfare, empowerment and long-term development.
The complete island is divided into its 25 district boundaries. Select a district on the map or from the district index. When Kurunegala is selected, the same interactive panel opens the Foundation’s local focus areas and priority communities.
Kurunegala District expanded
Local focus areas and directions
Select a local area to view its role and open directions from the district headquarters.
Selected location
Kolambagama
Administrative headquarters and a central point for local coordination, programme delivery and community engagement.
Community service grounded in trust, heritage and local partnership.
Gamindi Foundation works in close collaboration with Ven. Gallehepitiye Pemarathana Thero and Kolambagama Sri Miyugunarama Raja Maha Viharaya, which serves as the Foundation’s Administrative Headquarters in Kurunegala District.
Ven. Gallehepitiye Pemarathana Thero
Monastic Advisor to the Gamindi Foundation
Religious and community leadership
Chief Incumbent of the seven affiliated temples, including Wariyapola Kolambagama Sri Miyugunarama Raja Maha Viharaya.
Trustee and Chief Incumbent of Sri Lankaramaya Maha Viharaya in Lumbini, Nepal.
Monastic Advisor to the Gamindi Foundation.
Social Mahopadhyaya Acharya.
Through his religious leadership, community knowledge and longstanding service, Ven. Pemarathana Thero provides guidance that helps the Foundation engage communities with respect, cultural sensitivity and a strong commitment to social harmony.
Administrative Headquarters
Kolambagama Sri Miyugunarama Raja Maha Viharaya
Located in Kolambagama in the Wariyapola area, the temple has long been connected with the spiritual, cultural and social life of surrounding villages. It has served generations as a setting for worship, Buddhist learning, charitable activity and community gatherings.
Under the leadership of Ven. Gallehepitiye Pemarathana Thero, the temple continues to support education, social welfare, interfaith understanding and practical assistance for children, families and older persons. Its role as the Foundation’s Administrative Headquarters keeps programme coordination closely connected to local priorities and trusted community relationships.
RoleAdministrative headquarters and community coordination centreLocationKolambagama, near Rambawewa, off Kahawitiya Road, Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka 60400Community focusEducation, social welfare, elder care, youth development and outreach
The Board of Directors provides strategic leadership, financial oversight and governance while guiding the foundation’s commitment to dignity, accountability and meaningful community impact.
Kithmi Gunaratne
Chairperson and Executive Director
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Chairperson and Executive Director
Kithmi Gunaratne
An International Relations student at Monash University, published writer and aspiring journalist, she has contributed to The Island, Ceylon Independent and the Commonwealth Union. Her writing focuses on democracy, political accountability, governance, public policy and international affairs. Through the Gamindi Foundation, she seeks to transform compassion into meaningful action and create opportunities that restore dignity and hope.
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Gamini Gunaratne
Director
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Director
Gamini Gunaratne
An experienced corporate leader, Gamini Gunaratne has served as a Director of Hayleys and several other prominent corporate entities. He brings decades of experience in business, governance and strategic leadership, contributing sound judgement, institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to national development.
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Asela Waidyalankara
Director
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Director
Asela Waidyalankara
A recognised cybersecurity, artificial-intelligence governance and digital-policy specialist, Asela Waidyalankara has dedicated his career to building safer and more trustworthy digital systems. His expertise, strategic insight and commitment to responsible innovation strengthen the Foundation’s forward-looking vision.
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Dr Chameera Yapa Abeywardana
Director
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Director
Dr Chameera Yapa Abeywardana
A medical and legal professional with experience in institutional leadership, Dr Chameera Yapa Abeywardana previously served as Chairman of Sri Lanka’s National Lotteries Board. He brings professional discipline, public-sector experience and a strong understanding of responsible organisational leadership.
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Iranjalee Abeyratne
Director
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Director
Iranjalee Abeyratne
A clinical and management psychologist, Iranjalee Abeyratne has extensive experience supporting individuals through stress, burnout and personal development. Her work is grounded in empathy and the belief that stronger communities begin with healthier, more confident and emotionally resilient people.
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Indika Wijegunawardana
Director and Finance Director
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Director and Finance Director
Indika Wijegunawardana
Indika Wijegunawardana is a distinguished Sri Lankan public administrator with more than two decades of dedicated government service. Throughout her career, she has held senior leadership positions and made significant contributions to public administration, policy development and national development. Her extensive institutional experience, unwavering integrity and commitment to excellence reflect a deep dedication to public service. As a member of the Board of Directors, her leadership, expertise and voluntary service make a valuable contribution to advancing the vision and mission of the Gamindi Foundation.
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Founder’s Message
Every human being deserves to live with dignity, safety and the freedom to build a meaningful life.
Gamindi Foundation was born from a simple yet unshakable belief: every human being deserves to live with dignity, safety and the freedom to build a meaningful life.
Across our communities, poverty, inequality, violence and a lack of opportunity continue to silence dreams before they are given the chance to grow. Too many children are denied the joy of learning. Too many women are denied safety, independence and the freedom to make choices about their own lives. Too many families carry burdens that no family should have to face alone.
Behind every statistic is a human story - a child with unrealised potential, a woman longing for the opportunity to rebuild her life, or a family holding on to hope in the face of hardship. These are not distant problems. They are lives, dreams and futures waiting to be recognised, protected and supported.
I believe that lasting change begins with one person, one family and one community at a time. When a child is given access to education, a world of possibility opens before them. When a woman is empowered with knowledge, skills and economic independence, she gains the ability to shape her own future. When a family is supported to achieve stability, cycles of disadvantage that have endured for generations can begin to break.
Gamindi Foundation exists to nurture this transformation. Through education, women’s empowerment, human-rights protection, mental-wellbeing support and sustainable community development, we aim to help individuals recognise their own strength and realise their capacity to live with purpose, confidence and dignity.
Our work may begin with a single child, a single woman or a single community, but our vision extends far beyond the present moment. We envision a future where every child is free to dream, every woman can live without fear and every community possesses the strength and opportunity to write its own story.
Change begins when we refuse to accept suffering as inevitable. It begins when compassion becomes responsibility, belief becomes courage and courage becomes action.
Together, we can build a future where dignity belongs to everyone, opportunity is not determined by circumstance and hope is no longer a luxury, but a reality.
Kithmi GunaratneChairperson and Executive DirectorGamindi Foundation
Our first impact story
Small acts can open the door to lifelong opportunity.
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Children supported in Kolambagama
Our first pilot supported 40 preschool children aged two to five in the Kurunegala District. Each child received a newly opened bank account with an initial deposit of LKR 2,000, together with snacks and drinks that created moments of joy, belonging and hope.
Meaningful social change often begins with small acts of dignity, compassion and community support.
From the field
Listening first. Working together. Building trust.
Community and interfaith engagementDialogue across faithsMeeting local artisansUnderstanding rural productionCommunity consultationDignity and care for eldersListening to lived experienceCommunity engagement and listeningProviding essential support with dignityStanding alongside families and children
Long-term vision
From grassroots realities to national change.
The foundation’s long-term ambition is to expand into social research, public policy development, governance and accountability initiatives, democratic participation and civic education.
By connecting lived community experience with national policy discussions, Gamindi Foundation seeks to contribute to stronger institutions, more accountable governance and lasting protection for vulnerable communities.
Get involved
Help us turn compassion into lasting opportunity.
Join us as a donor, volunteer, educator, healthcare professional, researcher, corporate partner or international market-access partner.
