Empowering communities.
Protecting nature.
Building what lasts.
For three decades, the Community Development Foundation has partnered with communities across Sri Lanka on social justice, environmental conservation, education, and sustainable development — work built to outlast any single program.
1993
Founded
30+
Years of service
100+
Community programs
1,000+
Families supported
Three decades of showing up.
Community Development Foundation was founded in 1993 in Kollankuttigama, a small village in Anuradhapura District, when seventeen unemployed young people came together under the leadership of S.H. Razik. What began as a local youth initiative was deliberately re-founded soon after under a name that could unite Sinhala, Muslim, and Tamil communities alike — a founding choice that still shapes how we work today.
More than thirty years later, that single village effort has grown into a network of community collectives across Anuradhapura District, working across land and water rights, ecological restoration, education, and local livelihoods. We build every program with local leadership at the center, so it can outlast our involvement.
"We didn't set out to build an organization. We set out to make sure no community was left to face displacement, poverty, or exclusion alone."
Our Board of Directors
A.A. Tamara Nandani
Chairman
S.H. Razik
Executive Director
T.M. Anura Thannakoon
Secretary
M. Sisira Senarathna
Organizing Secretary
E.M.S. Kumarihami Ekanayaka
Treasurer
Indrani Jayanthi Vijayasekara
Vice President
D.M. Jayanthikumari Weerakoon
Deputy Secretary
R. Karunathilaka
Technical Advisor
Vision
A just society that secures the survival of nature and all living beings, humankind included.
Mission
To advance social justice and human dignity for communities and the environment alike, empowering people toward lasting, sustainable development.
Areas we work in.
Nine focus areas, one goal: communities that can stand on their own.
1993
Founded
11
Producer Collectives
3
Communities United
30+
Years Of Services
When Cyclon Ditwah hit, we were on the ground within days
After Cyclone Ditwah caused severe flooding across the district, the Anuradhapura District Secretary invited Community Development Foundation to help restore Anuradhapura Central College's playground. Our team mobilized volunteers for the cleanup — work later formally recognized by the Anuradhapura Civil Organizations Forum, which presented CDF with a certificate of appreciation for service during the disaster response.
Three decades, told honestly.
Not a straight line upward — a real journey, including the years we went quiet before finding our way back.
1993
Founded
S.H. Razik and seventeen young people establish CDF in Kollankuttigama village, Anuradhapura District.
1995
Formally Registered
Registered under the Voluntary Social Service Organizations Registration Act, giving the organization legal standing.
1990s
Environmental Registration
Registered as an environmental organization under the Central Environmental Authority.
2012–2022
A Quiet Decade
Organizational activity slows during this period, as the founding team's capacity is stretched thin.
2023
Rebuilding Begins
CDF joins the Land & Agrarian Reform program and starts rebuilding as a network of agricultural producer collectives.
2025
Renewed Support
Receives funding from the Rambawa Community Empowerment Foundation and continued SEP Foundation support for anti-trafficking work.
2026
Present Day
Re-registered with the Anuradhapura District Secretariat and leads the Cyclone Ditwah relief response.
Trusted by the partners we work with.
Three decades of work has meant three decades of relationships — with funders, training institutions, and the government bodies that oversee our work.
World View Sri Lanka
Training Partner
CARE International
Livelihood Support
Sri Lanka Canada Development Fund
Funding Partner
SAFE Foundation
Funding Partner
Rambawa Community Empowerment Foundation
Funding Partner
Central Environmental Authority
Registering Body
Anuradhapura District Secretariat
Government Partner
Anuradhapura Civil Organizations Forum
Government Partner
There's a place for you in this.
Donate
Your contribution funds home gardens, education access, and community-led recovery efforts like our Cyclone Ditwah response.
Donate NowVolunteer
Join our field team for community workshops, environmental restoration projects, or program support across Anuradhapura District.
Get In TouchPartner With Us
We work with NGOs, funders, and government bodies to expand programs sustainably. Let's talk about how we can work together.
Contact UsLet's start a conversation.
Community Development Foundation
A.11 Road 07, Maradankadawala Road,
Kewdawa, Ganeawalpola, Sri Lanka
077 215 4048
075 910 7088
Community Development Foundation
Registered under the Voluntary Social Service Organizations Registration Act