The GFS Archdeaconries
The Girls’ Friendly Society serves alongside the churches of the Anglican Church under the Diocese of Colombo and Kurunegala, working together to nurture faith, leadership, fellowship, and service among girls, female children, youth girls, and ladies. Through Christ-centered ministry, GFS encourages women and girls of all ages to grow spiritually, develop leadership skills, and serve their communities with compassion and confidence. Through the four Archdeaconries, GFS continues to strengthen its ministry by connecting churches, leaders, and communities across Sri Lanka.
Each Archdeaconry carries its own history, mission, and ministry opportunities. Through worship, camps, outreach programs, leadership training, Sunday School ministry, and fellowship gatherings, GFS seeks to build young lives rooted in Christian values and spiritual growth.
Colombo Archdeaconry
“Growing Girls and Women in Faith, Leadership, and Service”
The Colombo Archdeaconry of the Girls’ Friendly Society serves churches within the Colombo North and Colombo South Deaneries under the Diocese of Colombo. In addition to the Diocese of Colombo, GFS also extends its ministry to the Diocese of Kurunegala through St. Mark’s Church, Matale, continuing its mission of empowering girls and women through Christian fellowship and service.
This Archdeaconry continues to strengthen girls and women through worship, fellowship, leadership development, outreach programmes, and youth empowerment initiatives. Through various spiritual and social programmes, members are encouraged to discover their God-given talents and become active leaders within the Church and society.
The Colombo Archdeaconry also plays a significant role in organizing leadership programmes, fellowship gatherings, women’s empowerment initiatives, and youth development activities. Programmes conducted at the Headquarters encourage creativity, confidence-building, teamwork, and spiritual enrichment among girls and young women.
Special programmes such as leadership training events, talent development activities, women’s seminars, fellowship programmes, and awareness sessions continue to inspire members to grow in faith, service, and unity.
Leadership Development Programmes
Prayer and Fellowship Meetings
Talent Development Activities
Women’s Empowerment Programmes
Youth Leadership Training
Community Outreach Activities
International Women’s Day Programmes
Pink Pearls Programme
“Let your light shine before others.” – Matthew 5:16
Galle Archdeaconry
“Serving Communities with Faith and Compassion”
The Galle Archdeaconry of the Girls’ Friendly Society faithfully serves churches across the Southern Province, bringing together girls, youth, and women in Christian fellowship and service.
Main churches include:
- All Saints Church, Galle
- Christ Church, Beverly
- Christ Church , Hambantota
- Church of the Transfiguration, Bounavista
- St. Luke Church, Deniyaya
Through prayer meetings, Christianity classes, outreach programmes, educational support, and women’s empowerment initiatives, the Archdeaconry continues to uplift families and communities with the love of Christ.
Special ministries include travel assistance for Sunday School children, computer training programmes, awareness sessions, and women’s vocational development initiatives. The ministry also encourages environmental responsibility and sustainable living through community-based projects.
The Galle Archdeaconry stands as a testimony of unity, compassion, and faithful service, empowering girls and women to grow spiritually and socially while serving their churches and communities.
Prayer Meetings
Christianity Classes
Computer Training
Women’s Empowerment Programmes
Climate Action Projects
“Serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
Nuwara Eliya Archdeaconry
“Faith, Fellowship, and Empowerment in the UpCountry”
The Nuwara Eliya Archdeaconry of the Girls’ Friendly Society serves churches across the Up-country, Eastern, and Uva Deaneries, ministering among girls, young women, and ladies through worship, fellowship, education, and outreach.
Main churches include:
- All Saints Church, Agarapathana
- All Saints Church, Maskeliya
- Christ Church, Dickoya
- Church of St. John the Baptist, Watawala
- Holy Trinity Church, Nuwara Eliya
- St. Mary’s Church, Bogawanthalawa
- St. Paul’s Church, Pundaluoya
- St. Andrew’s Church, Batticaloa
- St. Mary’s Church, Navathkudah
- St. Paul’s Church, Mylambavelli
- Church of the Ascension, Bandarawala
- St. Mark’s Church, Badulla
The ministry actively promotes spiritual development through prayer meetings, Bible studies, home visits, worship services, and fellowship gatherings. Through educational support programmes, meal projects, and outreach ministries, GFS continues to strengthen the lives of children and families within the hill country communities.
The Archdeaconry also carries out sustainable development initiatives including home gardening projects, environmental awareness programmes, and women’s empowerment activities. These ministries encourage self-reliance, healthy living, and responsible stewardship of God’s creation.
Women’s Day programmes, Orange Day awareness campaigns, and leadership activities further help women and girls discover their value, dignity, and God-given potential.
Spiritual Development
Quality Education
Women and Child Protection
Climate Action
Home Gardening Projects
Sunday School Meal Projects
Women’s Empowerment
Good Health & Well -Being
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
Kurunegala Archdeaconry
“Growing in Faith, Fellowship, and Service”
The Girls’ Friendly Society extends its ministry to the Diocese of Kurunegala through Christ Church in Matale. Through this ministry, girls, young women, and ladies are encouraged to grow in faith, fellowship, and Christian service.
Through worship, prayer, fellowship, and community engagement, GFS seeks to nurture spiritual growth and strengthen the lives of women and girls within the parish. Members are encouraged to develop their God-given talents, deepen their relationship with Christ, and actively participate in the life and ministry of the Church.
The ministry provides opportunities for spiritual enrichment, fellowship, and personal development while supporting the wider vision of GFS to empower girls and women through faith and service.
As the ministry continues to grow, GFS looks forward to expanding its witness and outreach within the Diocese of Kurunegala, sharing God’s love and building a strong community of Christian women and girls.
Main Church:
- Christ Church, Matale
Ministry Focus:
- Spiritual Development
- Christian Fellowship
- Women and Girls Empowerment
- Community Outreach
- Personal Growth and Service
Community Service
Ayurveda Medical Camp
Branch Re-establishment
Women’s Day Programme
“Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14