First steps
Cynthia and Alfred Devadason came upon hundreds of families living as squatters along the canal banks of Colombo — and chose to act.
Our story · 1972 – today
Empowering lives through God's Word.
Word & Deed Lanka began in 1972 with a mission to transform lives through faith and action. Over the decades the ministry grew from the canal banks of Colombo to the tea estates of the hill country — launching schools and empowering families along the way.
The founders
Two people who refused to look away.
Cynthia and Alfred Devadason started by serving impoverished communities in Colombo, focusing on children's education, spiritual growth and social upliftment. What they began with a handful of children has since reached more than 60,000.
1972
1975The Good News Club
The Lanka Vacation Bible School movement began. In a small garage, the Good News Club opened its doors to 30 children from the canal banks.
1978Community transformation
Nine families became the first converts and adult classes began. Through board member Dudley Weeraratne, Woord en Daad of Holland became a partner.
1983From ashes, a building
Ethnic riots burned buildings across Colombo. The ministry bought a burned-out building nearby and rebuilt. In 1985, LVBS and Word & Deed Lanka were registered as Social Service Organisations.
1987The Colombo Centre
With support from Woord en Daad donors, a centre able to hold more than 300 children was built — what stands today as the Colombo Centre.
- Today
Still building, one heart at a time.
Under CEO Timothy Daniel, Word & Deed continues to build God's Kingdom through education, outreach and community development — guided by faith and fuelled by compassion — with centres in Colombo and Hatton and work in 400+ villages.
See our work today
Join the work
Your gift becomes a meal, a classroom, a future.
Every donation goes to work in schools, nutrition programs, Bibles and leadership training across Sri Lanka. Give once, or walk with us for the long haul.
