"To bring Sri Lankan women together in a spirit of fellowship, empower them, and improve the lives of disadvantaged women and girls in Sri Lanka."
A Non-Political, Multi-Cultural Association
SLWA was founded as a space free from politics and religion. It remains exactly that. Every Sri Lankan woman in the UK is welcome, regardless of background, faith, or community.
Today the Association serves two purposes: it provides a vibrant social and cultural home for Sri Lankan women in the UK, and through its registered Education Scheme, it funds the education of disadvantaged women and girls in Sri Lanka.
Seven Decades of Community
From a small gathering in post-war London to an internationally affiliated charity, this is the SLWA story.
Founded by Two Visionary Women
In 1949, Lady Evelyn de Soysa and Mrs Laurel Casinader established the Sri Lanka Women's Association in London. Their purpose was clear: to provide a welcoming space for Sri Lankan women arriving in the UK for the first time.
In the years after the Second World War, Sri Lankan women coming to Britain faced real isolation. SLWA offered fellowship, mutual support, and a sense of home. It was a pioneer in providing a structured social forum for women from a Commonwealth nation.
From the outset, the Association committed to being non-political, multi-religious, and multi-cultural. Those principles have never changed.
The Education Scheme — Registered Charity Since 1998
In 1998, the SLWA Education Scheme was registered as a charity in the UK, formalising decades of fundraising and support for disadvantaged women and girls in Sri Lanka.
The scheme funds school supplies, musical instruments, and educational resources for schools in rural Sri Lanka. It has supported Boyawalana MV, Keppitiwalana, and Henegama Central College, providing vouchers for books, shoes, and learning materials to students who would otherwise go without.
Every event SLWA holds in the UK contributes, directly or indirectly, to this work.
Growing, Evolving, and Looking Forward
Today SLWA continues to grow. Its programme of cultural events, including the annual National New Year Celebration, fundraising lunches, and community gatherings, keeps Sri Lankan culture alive in the UK while building the funds that drive change in Sri Lanka.
The Association is affiliated to four international and national organisations, giving it a platform beyond its membership. It actively seeks fresh ideas, new projects, and new members who want to carry this legacy forward.
There are still women and girls in Sri Lanka who need support, and there are still Sri Lankan women in the UK who need a community to call their own.
75 Years at a Glance
The Association is Founded
Lady Evelyn de Soysa and Mrs Laurel Casinader establish SLWA in London as a non-political, multi-cultural space for Sri Lankan women in the UK.
Membership Expands
As Sri Lankan immigration to the UK increases, SLWA membership grows. Cultural events become a cornerstone of the Association's annual programme.
International Affiliations Established
SLWA affiliates with the International Alliance of Women, the Commonwealth Countries League, and the Women's Council in the UK.
Education Scheme Registered as a UK Charity
The SLWA Education Scheme is formally registered as a charity, enabling structured fundraising and grant-giving for education projects in Sri Lanka.
Prithipura Home Fundraising
SLWA raises funds for the CFS Prithipura Home in Sri Lanka, a registered charity supporting destitute children with physical and mental disabilities.
National New Year Celebrations
SLWA holds its Sinhala and Tamil New Year Celebration in London, attended by senior representatives of the Sri Lanka High Commission.
School Donations Continue
The Education Scheme provides musical instruments to Boyawalana MV and school vouchers to students at Henegama Central College.
75 Years Strong
SLWA marks 75 years of service, seeking new members, new projects, and new ways to support the Sri Lankan community in the UK and beyond.
Our Objectives
Three core objectives have guided the Association since its founding in 1949.
Fellowship and Mutual Support
To provide Sri Lankan women in the UK with a welcoming, non-political space to meet, share experiences, and support one another. No woman should feel isolated in a new country.
Education and Empowerment
To fund the education of disadvantaged women and girls in Sri Lanka through the registered SLWA Education Scheme, giving them the tools to gain economic independence.
Cultural Exchange
To celebrate Sri Lankan culture in the UK and promote goodwill between communities through events, affiliations, and engagement with international women's organisations.
International Affiliations
International Alliance of Women
Global affiliationWomen's Council in the UK
National affiliationCommonwealth Countries League
Commonwealth affiliationSri Lanka Women's Conference
National affiliationPatron & President
His Excellency Nimal Senadheera
High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in the United KingdomThe Sri Lanka High Commission in London has served as Patron of SLWA since the Association's early years. This relationship reflects the deep ties between the Association and the official Sri Lankan presence in the UK.
The High Commissioner's patronage gives SLWA a formal link to the Sri Lankan government and strengthens its position within both the Sri Lankan diaspora and broader UK civil society.
Mrs Sue Clarke
President, Sri Lanka Women's Association in the UKMrs Sue Clarke leads the SLWA Committee as President, bringing a deep commitment to the Association's mission of community service and charitable giving. She chairs all general meetings and represents SLWA at affiliated organisation events across the UK and internationally.
A photograph of Mrs Sue Clarke will be added shortly.
Our Committee
The SLWA Committee is a group of dedicated volunteers who give their time to ensure the Association continues to serve its members and its charitable mission.
Become a Member of SLWA
SLWA is always looking for new members who want to be part of a community with purpose. Whether you want to attend events, volunteer, or support the Education Scheme, there is a place for you here.