About the Girls’ Friendly Society
Welcome to our About Us page, where you can find a brief history of the Girls’ Friendly Society – a joyful journey of a rich history of 122 years!
A History of GFS Sri Lanka
Mary Elizabeth Townsend
[ The founder of World GFS in 1875 ]
Rt. Rev. Ernest Arthur Copleston
[Bishop of Colombo in 1904]
Mrs. Eveline Copleston
[ The 1st President of GFS Sri Lanka, 1904]
The Girls Friendly Society (GFS) was founded in 1875 in England by Mary Elizabeth Townsend with the support of the Archbishop of Canterbury and was the first women’s organisation within the worldwide Anglican Communion. One of its main purposes was to support girls moving from rural to urban areas or in search of work. The Queen Mother was the patron of the GFS for many years.
The GFS flourished and spread to other countries. In 1904, it was established in Ceylon, as Sri Lanka was then known, by Rt. Rev. Ernest Arthur Copleston, Bishop of Colombo. It was the first women’s organisation in the country’s Anglican Church. The Patrons are the Bishops of Colombo and Kurunegala.
The first President was Mrs. Eveline Copleston, the Bishop’s wife, and the first meetings were held at “Rippleworth”, the home of Sir James and Lady Maud Peiris. Branches were opened in many parishes around the island, and the first was at St. Michael’s Church, Polwatte.
The GFS is one of the country’s oldest women’s organisations and continues to serve the girls and women of Sri Lanka, irrespective of racial and religious barriers. The Centenary of the Society was celebrated in 2004 with a Thanksgiving Service at the Church of St. Michael & All Angels, Polwatte.
The Motto
To bear one another’s burdens.
The Vision
To unite all girls and women in a worldwide Christian fellowship of prayer, spiritual growth and service.
The Objectives
(i) To assist girls and women irrespective of racial and religious barriers and to provide them with life-changing opportunities through social, vocational education and cultural activities and to make available such services which will enrich and strengthen the Society in carrying out its work, provided such vocational education does not include primary and secondary education.
(ii) To provide hostel accommodation facilities to girls from outstations on subsidised rates.
(iii) To provide cultural and other charitable activities for the benefit of women and girls.
Messages
Message from Ms. Rohini Ratnam
President – GFS Sri Lanka
Welcome to the official website of the Girls’ Friendly Society (GFS)!
As President, it is an honour to serve an organization that has stood as a pillar of support for girls and young women since 1875. Our mission remains as vital today as it was at our founding : to provide a community where young women can grow in confidence, character and spirit, supported by the enduring bond of sisterhood.
We are guided by our motto “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). This principle is the heartbeat of the GFS. It reminds us that we are called to look outward to support our neighbours and to provide a sanctuary where every girl is valued as a child of God.
In today’s complex world, the GFS offers a steady foundation. Through our programmes we aim to equip young women with the tools they need to navigate life with grace and resilience. We strive to foster a space where leadership is nurtured, faith is explored and lifelong friendships are forged.
To our members, volunteers and supporters, thank you for your unwavering dedication. It is through your hands and hearts that we continue to fulfil our mission. To those visiting us for the first time, I invite you to explore our work and join us in building a future where every girl can flourish.
Message from Ms. Jeanne Withanage
The GFS World President
For 150 years, the GFS has been a beacon of love, hope and empowerment to girls and women around the world. True to our founder’s vision and with God’s guidance, we have helped them find their rightful place in the world. Throughout our history, we have raised awareness of gender inequality, abuse and violence, cared for the environment, championed education, fostered leadership and shared the Good News.
Ours is a diverse membership, from east and west, north and south, across different cultures and languages – but we are one family, united in our love for the Lord Jesus Christ.
This is a special year when we shall gather in Sri Lanka, the island in the sun, for the 25th GFS World Council – to conduct business sessions, worship together, enjoy fellowship with one another, learn and laugh together and most importantly, grow.
May I encourage us all to try something different – be bold, step out in faith, walk on water, jump high, reach further than ever before and catch a star!
As sisters in Christ, we are strong and together we shine brighter.
May we shine like stars in a world of darkness, pointing others to the true Light and march forward into the future with faith, courage and love !
Affiliation: The Society is affiliated with the World Council of the Girls’ Friendly Society.
Patronage:
(i) The Society shall be under the patronage of the Bishops of Colombo and Kurunegala of the Church of Ceylon, who may attend its meetings or appoint a Chaplain or representative, if they so desire.
(i) The Society may have a representative in the Diocese of Colombo and in the Diocese of Kurunegala.
Legal Entity: It was a realisation of a dream come true when the GFS was incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee, No. GA 0032561 under the Companies Act, No. 7 of 2007 on the 2nd April, 2025.