Caring for abused children since 1928

The Child Protection Society of Ceylon (CPS) was founded in 1928 by a group of eminent persons interested in child welfare, including Dr. Mary Ratnam and Sir John Parsons, a founder of Bartleet & Co, the reputed firm of brokers.

The oldest charitable organization in the country in the field of child welfare, CPS's principal objectives include prevention of cruelty to children and prevention of exploitation of children.

Prior to the formation of the Department of Probation and Child Care, the society worked through a network of senior lawyers around the country.

The society runs two model homes - for boys at Maharagama and girls at Rukmale, providing education, health care, sports facilities and aesthetic activities and giving the children love and affection through trained personnel who are in charge of the homes.

Children between 8-16 years who are victims of abuse including sexual abuse are admitted to the homes through the Department of Child Care Services/Juvenile Court.

Lady Caldecott was President for several years up to 1944 and after her death Lady de Soysa succeeded her as President. Thereafter Lady Moore was elected President. Their husbands Sir Andrew Caldecott and Sir Henry Monk Mason Moore were the Governors of Ceylon.

The most outstanding contribution has been by Sir John Parson and Mrs. Parsons, who was the secretary of the society for many years, while Sir John Parsons was the Vice President and Director of the society. Mrs. Parsons was the Warden of the Girls’ Home from the inception up to the time she left Sri Lanka in 1948 spanning a period of over two decades.

The first Sri Lankan President was Hema Basnayake, Chief Justice who was succeeded by justice Wijethilake. The Governor General and thereafter Presidents of Sri Lanka were the patrons of the society and the President of Sri Lanka continues to be the patron.

Chairman of the Legal Aid Commission and former Director (Legal) of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) S.S. Wijeyaratne was elected President for the current year at the 75th Annual General Meeting held in September 2006.

The government grant is only Rs. 10/= per child per day and the society depends on well wishers for the balance funds. Their present expenses are Rs. 120,000/= per month for both homes. Donations are welcome from well-wishers. The society's office address is: No. 185, Union Place, Colombo 2. (Tel. No. 2446080/2423236).