EMPOWERING LIVES THROUGH GOD'S WORD
Word & Deed Lanka began in 1972 with a mission to transform lives through faith and action. Founded by Cynthia and Alfred Devadason, it started by serving impoverished communities in Colombo, focusing on children’s education, spiritual growth, and social upliftment.
Over decades, the ministry expanded to tea estates, launched schools, and empowered families—guided by faith and fueled by compassion. Today, under CEO Timothy Daniel, it continues to build God’s Kingdom through education, outreach, and community development.
In 1972, Cynthia and Alfred Devadason came upon hundreds of families residing as squatters along the Canal banks in Colombo, Sri Lanka. They were faced with the dire situation of children roaming the streets with no interest in school.
The poorest of the poor lived along the canal banks, in sheds made of tin and plastic, buried deep in the banks of the polluted canal which ran for miles and miles in the Colombo City of Sri Lanka.
Amid this environment, the Devadason's placed roots in rented premises, according to the Lord's direction. Despite limited resources, they continued travelling the nation conducting Vacation Bible Schools, training Sunday School teachers, and supplying Sunday School books to churches.
This became the initiation of "The Lanka Vacation Bible School Movement" in 1975.
Beginning in a small garage in their rented accommodation, the "Good News Club" was begun for the children of the canal banks, seeing an initial 30 children, from which the number increased daily.
As the children prayed God did amazing things. The women, children, and men were transformed in their behavior. The children stirred a curiosity in the adults which led to classes commencing for the adults on Saturdays and Sundays.
Over a period of ten years the entire community alongside the canal banks were settled. Housing, job situations, and families were improved. Good stewardship of finances developed.
An initial 9 families paved the way as the first converts in 1978 who were then introduced to nearby churches and baptized.
In 1978, through Mr. Dudley Weeraratne (then board member), Woord en Daad, Holland, partnered with Lanka Vacation Bible School in support of their work.
In 1983, ethnic riots saw many buildings around the rented building burned down. With His miraculous protection, the Lord then directed the ministry to purchase a building that was burned down close by.
LVBS and Word & Deed Lanka were then registered with the government as Social Service Organizations in 1985.
With Woord en Daad donors raising the funds, the property was rebuilt, and in 1987 the new facility was made available for the accommodation of more than 300 children to be ministered to.
Thus, was birthed what stands today as the Colombo Center.
Cynthia and Alfred Devadason founded Word & Deed Lanka with a vision to serve the most vulnerable communities in Sri Lanka. Their unwavering faith and dedication to God's calling led them to establish the ministry in challenging circumstances.
Despite limited resources, they traveled across the country, training Sunday School teachers and conducting Vacation Bible Schools. Their compassion for children living in poverty along Colombo's canal banks inspired the creation of the "Good News Club" which became the foundation of the organization's work.
Through their leadership, entire communities were transformed as families found faith, improved their living conditions, and developed stewardship of their resources.
Chief Executive Officer
Under Timothy Daniel's leadership, Word & Deed Lanka continues to expand its reach and impact. Building on the foundation established by the Devadasons, Timothy has guided the organization in developing innovative programs that address both spiritual and physical needs in communities across Sri Lanka.
With a focus on education, community development, and spiritual growth, Timothy ensures that Word & Deed Lanka remains committed to its mission of transforming lives through God's Word.
"Word & Deed is committed to making a difference in the lives of those in need. Guided by faith and fueled by compassion, we continue to build God's Kingdom through education, outreach, and community development, transforming lives one heart at a time."
