Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Shramadana Sangamaya

What Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Shramadana Sangamaya does

Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Shramadana Sangamaya (Sarvodaya) is Sri Lanka's largest non-governmental community development organization, founded in 1958 by Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne and formally incorporated by Act of Parliament in 1972. The movement delivers holistic, six-dimensional development (spiritual, moral, cultural, social, economic, and political) through 25 District Centres and over 5,500 village-level Sarvodaya Shramadana Societies covering 15,000+ villages across all 25 districts. Service lines span Early Childhood Development (1,500+ centres serving 150,000+ children), microfinance via listed Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (51 branches), disaster response with the 5R framework, community health, ICT for Development through Sarvodaya Fusion, biotechnology via SEEDS (sole licensed EM-1 manufacturer), and construction through SARVO-TECH. The movement also includes sister organizations focused on women, youth (Shanthi Sena), children (Suwasetha Sewa), spiritual development (Vishva Nikethan), and higher education (SIHL with a stated Sarvodaya University ambition).

The underlying technology and operating platforms combine a proprietary village-network methodology (Shramadana, 5-stage village development process), a licensed biotechnology franchise (EM-1 microbial inoculants from Dr. Teruo Higa, University of the Ryukyus), franchised telecentres providing ICT education (Microsoft, Google, META supported), a 51-branch microfinance distribution operation, and a multi-channel donation infrastructure spanning local (Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank of Ceylon) and international (Sarvodaya USA 501(c)(3) via PayPal) rails. Group revenue mechanics blend donations and grants, village-society membership fees, microfinance interest income from SDF PLC, export revenue from the Woodwork and Exports Unit (10+ Western markets), construction contracts via SARVO-TECH, education fees via SIHL, and biotech product sales from SEEDS.

The organization is governed by an executive council of 25 members and led by Honorary President Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne and Executive Director Mr. Damith Kulanayake. Strategic partners include Microsoft, Google, META, World Bank Group, HSBC, UNICEF, IFC, USAID, CARE International, World Vision Lanka, WUSC, and Nestlé Lanka. Notable recent activity includes the Cyclone Ditwah emergency response (reaching 6,205+ people across 15 districts in late 2025) and continued build-out of subsidiary arms. Financials are not publicly consolidated; annual service reports are published under Sri Lanka's Right to Information Act.

Name

Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Shramadana Sangamaya

Legal name

Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Shramadana Sangamaya (Inc.)

Website

https://sarvodaya.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1958

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Shramadana Sangamaya is Sri Lanka's largest community development NGO, founded in 1958 and operating through 25 District Centres and 5,500+ village societies across 15,000+ villages, delivering holistic development programs in early childhood education, microfinance, disaster response, ICT, biotechnology, and construction.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Development Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Community Food Services (62421), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Infrastructure, Housing & Community Development (BPAGABAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) (BPAGABAC), Emergency Response & Search-and-Rescue (SAR) (BPAGAAAA), Maternal, Newborn, Child & Adolescent Health (MNCAH) Partnerships (HLAJAOAG), Technical Cooperation, Capacity Building & Policy Advisory Programs (BPADABAO)

Keywords

• Community development services
• Disaster relief programs
• Microfinance services
• Early childhood education
• Rural infrastructure development

Headquarters

HQ city

Moratuwa

HQ country

Sri Lanka

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Donations and Grants: The primary revenue stream. Sarvodaya relies on donations from individuals, corporations, and international donors. Accepts donations via Sampath Bank online gateway (LKR and USD), PayPal through Sarvodaya USA, wire transfers, cheques, and money orders. International donations through Sarvodaya USA (501(c)(3) tax-exempt) are tax-deductible in the USA.
2. Membership Fees: Village-level Sarvodaya Shramadana Societies collect membership fees. Each SSS includes child, youth, ordinary, life, and honorary members, contributing financially to the movement.
3. Woodwork and Exports Social Enterprise: The Woodwork and Exports Unit produces and sells lead-free painted wooden pre-school educational equipment, toys, furniture, and handicrafts. Exports to Australia, Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Norway, United Kingdom, and USA. Revenue supports community development activities of the parent movement.
4. Sarvodaya Development Finance (SDF) Microfinance Services: SDF PLC is a microfinance institution and the first formal financial institution in Sri Lanka to channel private sector investments into low- and middle-income groups. It is listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange. SDF operates 51 branches across Sri Lanka, serving SMEs and village societies.
5. Sarvodaya Institute of Higher Learning: SIHL provides educational services and leadership training rooted in community development, serving as a step toward establishing a Sarvodaya University.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Sarvodaya is Sri Lanka's largest community-led non-governmental development organization, operating through 25 District Centres and 5,500+ village societies to reach over 15,000 villages. It delivers holistic community development across health, education, microfinance, disaster relief, ICT, agriculture, and infrastructure, supplemented by social enterprises (woodwork exports, EM-1 biotechnology, construction services) and a microfinance institution listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange.

Product overview

Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Shramadana Sangamaya is a large community development NGO offering a diverse portfolio of products, services, and programs rather than a unified software platform. The organization's offerings include: the core Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement providing community-based development through a network of 5,500+ village societies; Sarvodaya Fusion as its ICT for Development arm with Fusion Education franchising telecentres for computer literacy; SARVO-TECH (Pvt) Ltd providing engineering and construction services; the Woodwork and Exports social enterprise producing educational wooden toys and furniture for export; SEEDS biotechnology division producing EM-1 microorganisms for agriculture and waste management; Sarvodaya Development Finance as a microfinance institution; Early Childhood Development centres serving 150,000+ children; Disaster Management services; and various subsidiary organizations focused on women's empowerment, youth development, spiritual guidance, and health. The organization does not offer API access, software products, or technical integrations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sarvodaya Fusion The ICT for Development arm of Sarvodaya providing basic ICT education, vocational training, awareness programs, and project-based initiatives to bridge social and economic gaps in rural, urban, and semi-urban communities through a network of telecentres.
• Fusion Education Internet-based ICT education package franchising telecentres throughout Sri Lanka to provide computer literacy, certified qualifications, and efficient use of internet and ICT technologies for marginalized youth.
• SARVO-TECH (Pvt) Ltd Engineering construction and consultancy services arm offering civil engineering works, water supply, drainage, irrigation, and technical consultancy with C-4 ICTAD Registration, having completed over 175 projects.
• Sarvodaya Development Finance (SDF) PLC Oldest microfinance institution in Sri Lanka, first formal financial institution to channel private sector investments into low- and middle-income groups, and first impact investment finance company listed on Colombo Stock Exchange with 51 branches.
• Early Childhood Development Programme Network of over 1,500 Child Development Centres (preschools) providing holistic child development services encompassing mental and spiritual development for over 150,000 children and 100,000 mothers.
• Woodwork and Exports Produces high-quality lead-free painted wooden pre-school educational equipment, recreational items, and furniture using seasoned rubber wood, exporting to Australia, Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Norway, UK, and USA.
• SEEDS (Sarvodaya Biotechnology Division) Produces EM-1 (Effective Microorganism) technology-based microbial inoculants for wastewater treatment, solid waste management, animal health, and regenerative agriculture, including products: Mihisaara, Harithasaara, CompostMaster, Jivasaara, and Ipanalisaara.
• Disaster Management Center (SDMC) Community-based disaster response unit providing training, capacity building, rapid response, information sharing, and collaboration, including the Community Life Saver Project CL REACT.
• Rural Technical Services Infrastructure development activities including water, sanitation, roadways, housing and building construction in rural and semi-urban communities, with vocational training programmes for youth.
• Deshodaya Program Promotes democracy, good governance, reconciliation, and sustainable peace through 276 Divisional Deshodaya Forums and 25 District Deshodaya Forums, employing participation of ordinary citizens and principles of consensual politics.
• International Volunteer and Community-Based Tourism Programme Provides community-based tourism experiences including homestay programme, agrotourism, research programmes, study tours, and group/individual volunteer programmes for international volunteers.
• Sarvodaya Institute of Higher Learning (SIHL) Educational institution offering integral education and leadership development based on social, economic, and spiritual transformation, with goal of establishing a Sarvodaya University.
• Community Health Programme Engages in nutrition and child health, adolescent/reproductive health, and mental health programmes for community wellness.
• Sustainable Agriculture Development Unit (SADU) Promotes environmentally friendly, socially just, economically viable, and resilient agriculture practices aligned with SDGs to ensure food security and healthy food systems.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reached over 15,000 villages across Sri Lanka over 65+ years
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• World University Service of Canada (WUSC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for IGNI+TE Project in Sri Lanka, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, and Vietnam. Coordinates international volunteers to build local capacities at Sarvodaya in areas including marketing, sustainability, gender equality, and knowledge management.
• World Vision LankacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for RISE Lanka Economic Crisis Activation project — immediate food security response for children and families affected by Sri Lanka's economic crisis, funded by the Australian Government through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership.
• International Finance Corporation (IFC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConducted 2022 study on childcare needs in Ampara, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee districts. Partner in Early Childhood Development Centres initiative alongside Commercial Bank Ceylon to establish subsidized childcare facilities in Batticaloa.
• Commercial Bank Ceylon (CBC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner in the Early Childhood Development Centres initiative in Batticaloa, supporting Sarvodaya to upgrade and equip centres providing day-care and pre-school services.
• Nestlé LankacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with Sarvodaya to facilitate distribution of essential dry rations and Nestlé products to beneficiary families through 25 Community Food Banks across all districts of Sri Lanka.
• UNICEF Sri LankacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in community-based nutrition promotion project across 8 districts linked to UNICEF's Cash Transfer Programme. Also partner for decentralizing SAM (Severe Acute Malnutrition) care through outreach clinics.
• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or IntegrationLong-standing CSR technology partner supporting Sarvodaya Fusion's telecentre network. Collaboration includes opening community telecentres (including Vavuniya in 2005) to bring ICT to rural communities.
• Dialog Axiata PLCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner in Rally to Relief – Manudam Mehewara project and Easter Sunday Attack victim assistance (scholarship programme).
• MAS Holdings PLCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner in Rally to Relief – Manudam Mehewara humanitarian project.
• Hemas Holdings PLCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner in Rally to Relief – Manudam Mehewara humanitarian project.
• CBL GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner in Rally to Relief – Manudam Mehewara humanitarian project.
• MAS Capital (Private) LimitedminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Sustainable Retail Shop project, introducing effective recycling programs to identified entrepreneurs.
• The Asia FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for 'Strengthening Social Cohesion in Sri Lanka' project, building capacity for local peace and reconciliation initiatives.
• Save the ChildrenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in PALAM/A Project (Promoting Autonomy for Literacy and Attentiveness through Market Alliances) building government capacities to implement resilient school systems.
• DialogminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner in Support to Victim Assistance of the Easter Sunday Attack project, providing scholarships for children of victims.
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-funder of Damniyamgama Eco-Village pilot project, bringing environmental sustainability expertise to tsunami reconstruction.
• Asia Pacific Forum for Environment and Development (APFED)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerContributor to Damniyamgama Eco-Village pilot project design and financing.
• CARE InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner supporting post-tsunami reconstruction, including house construction for families in Akurala and Kahawa villages in Galle district.
• Voice of Asia Media Network (Siyatha TV)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedia partner for flood relief efforts in Sri Lanka, supporting Sarvodaya's humanitarian response communications.
• United Religions InitiativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partner collaborating with Shanthi Sena Sansadaya on youth networks and peacebuilding programs.
• Karuna Center for PeacebuildingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in youth peacebuilding and conflict resolution programs with Shanthi Sena Sansadaya.
• Search for Common GroundminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in youth networks and inter-community peacebuilding activities with Shanthi Sena Sansadaya.
• JAFSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in youth leadership and development programs with Shanthi Sena Sansadaya.
• Sarvodaya USAcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLegally independent 501(c)(3) non-profit representing Sarvodaya in the United States. Handles international PayPal donations, US tax receipts, and volunteer referrals. Grown from a small volunteer network following the 2004 tsunami to a structured organization with a board of directors and national volunteer network.
• My DoctorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner in the Easter Sunday Attack victim assistance scholarship programme.
• International College of the University of BridgeportminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAwarded honorary fellowship to Dr. A. T. Ariyaratne recognizing his lifelong peace efforts and contributions to humanitarian causes.
• Durham University (UK)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAwarded honorary Doctor of Civil Law to Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne for dedication to humanitarian causes and post-tsunami peace work.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Habitat for Humanity International: Global NGO focused on housing, WASH, and community resilience — overlapping directly with Sarvodaya's Rural Technical Services and post-disaster reconstruction mandate.
• Mercy Corps: Global humanitarian organization with active Sri Lanka programming in economic recovery, youth, and governance. Comparable on integrated community-led development and disaster response capabilities.
• CARE International: Global humanitarian and development organization with deep Sri Lanka operations, including post-tsunami reconstruction alongside Sarvodaya. Comparable in emergency response, women's empowerment, and rural livelihoods.
• Aga Khan Development Network: Multi-country development network active in South Asia including Sri Lanka, with microfinance (AKFC), education, health, and rural development programs. Overlaps with Sarvodaya in community-led development, WASH, and ECD.
• Oxfam Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka arm of global Oxfam confederation, working on gender justice, economic inequality, and humanitarian response. Comparable rural community empowerment and disaster preparedness footprint.

Direct peers

• BRAC: Largest NGO in the world, founded in Bangladesh in 1972; operates an integrated model spanning microfinance, education, health, agriculture, and disaster response. Closest functional peer to Sarvodaya due to its multi-program community development federation structure and South Asian rural footprint.
• Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA): Indian member-based organization for women in the informal sector, combining microfinance, healthcare, childcare, and capacity building. Comparable to Sarvodaya's integrated women-empowerment plus microfinance plus ECD offering.
• Grameen Bank: Pioneer microfinance institution in Bangladesh serving low-income borrowers, structurally analogous to Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC but at materially larger scale. Sets the benchmark for village-level financial inclusion models.
• World Vision Lanka: Direct in-country implementation partner on RISE Lanka economic-crisis food security project with Sarvodaya. Operates comparable child sponsorship, ECD, and disaster response programs across Sri Lankan communities.

Regional players

• Sri Lanka Red Cross Society: Sri Lanka's primary domestic humanitarian organization, directly overlapping with Sarvodaya on disaster response (Cyclone Ditwah, COVID-19, Easter Sunday attacks) and first-aid training.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sarvodayamedia
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@pcusarvodaya
• Facebookfacebook.com/Sarvodaya-100064712584887
• Instagraminstagram.com/sarvodayasrilanka
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sarvodaya-shramadana-movement-of-sri-lanka

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries19 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Shramadana Sangamaya