GFS Worldwide
GFS Sri Lanka maintains links and regular communication between the GFS World Council & GFS countries and participates at the GFS World Council business sessions and presenting the Sri Lanka Country Report.
GFS Sri Lanka was appointed as the World Host Country for the period 2023 to 2026
A very significant accomplishment of the GFS Sri Lanka is being appointed as the World Host Country for the period 2023 to 2026 under the World President, Ms. Jeanne Withanage and her world team of World Executives. Thus, the mantle of hosting the next World Conference in July 2026 falls on the GFS Sri Lanka.
The GFS World celebrates a rich history of 150 years in 2025!
GFS International
The GFS of Sri Lanka is affiliated to the GFS World Council, which comprises over 30 countries. The Executive Council, with the World President and other office-bearers, heads the World body.
The World President visits as many countries as possible, encouraging members and branches. Over the past few years, the World President, the World Immediate Past President and two Youth Leaders visited Sri Lanka. These are milestones in the history of the GFS.
The GFS World Day of Prayer is observed annually on the 29th September, and each year, a different country is assigned the task of preparing an Order of Service that is used by all GFS branches worldwide. In the year 2022, Sri Lanka was tasked with the preparation of the Order of Service.
GFS Countries
The GFS works in over 30 countries. Each country has many branches. They belong to various Dioceses within each country. Each Diocese has a GFS Diocesan President and a National President.
Strong communication links are maintained between the countries, which carry out programmes in keeping with their culture and traditions. Program ideas are exchanged as each country learns from the other, and prayer requests are shared. In addition, countries facing natural disasters or some adversity are assisted through the World Emergency Fund.
GFS World Council
A World Council is held every three years in a different country, and a new World President is installed by the Presiding Bishop / Archbishop of the particular Province/Country at a special Service. Countries vie for the World Project, which is awarded to a country every three years.
Each country is represented by a delegation comprising a senior delegate, a junior delegate and observers. For many years, Sri Lanka was represented only by a senior delegate. In 2014 and 2017, a three-member and a five-member group represented Sri Lanka at the World Council held in Wales, UK and Perth, Australia, respectively. For the first time in 2017, a member of the Pink Pearls (from Christ Church, Mutwal) was selected as the junior delegate to represent the GFS of Sri Lanka along with the senior delegate.
The World Council was held in Wales, UK and Perth, Australia
World President Visited the Nuwara Eliya arche deconry
World President Visited the Galle Archdeaconry
GFS World Council 2026: A Historic Gathering in Sri Lanka
Celebrating Faith, Fellowship and a Shared Vision for the Future
In July 2026, Sri Lanka proudly welcomed the 25th GFS World Council, bringing together nearly 100 delegates from 24 countries for a historic gathering of the Girls’ Friendly Society.
Held in Colombo from 1–9 July 2026, this was the first GFS World Council conducted in South Asia, making it a landmark moment not only for GFS Sri Lanka but for the worldwide GFS movement.
The Council was a celebration of our shared Christian faith, international fellowship and commitment to serving girls, young women and communities.In July 2026, Sri Lanka proudly welcomed the 25th GFS World Council, bringing together nearly 100 delegates from 24 countries for a historic gathering of the Girls’ Friendly Society.
Held in Colombo from 1–9 July 2026, this was the first GFS World Council conducted in South Asia, making it a landmark moment not only for GFS Sri Lanka but for the worldwide GFS movement.
The Council was a celebration of our shared Christian faith, international fellowship and commitment to serving girls, young women and communities.
A Historic Moment for Sri Lanka
The 25th World Council was especially significant for Sri Lanka as the World Council 2026 was held under the leadership of Ms. Jeanne Withanage – GFS World President for the period 2023-2026.
The gathering also provided an opportunity for GFS members from different countries to experience Sri Lankan hospitality, culture and Christian fellowship.
Throughout the Council, delegates took part in worship, prayer, discussions, presentations, workshops and fellowship. The programme created opportunities for members to share their experiences, learn from one another and consider new ways of strengthening GFS around the world.
Key areas of focus included:
- Spiritual development and Christian witness
- Education and vocational skills
- Youth leadership and participation
- Empowering girls and women
- Community service
- Protecting children and addressing violence against women and girls
- Environmental responsibility
- Strengthening international cooperation within GFS
The GFS Youth Summit was another important feature, giving young people an opportunity to share their voices, ideas and hopes for the future of the Society.
Planting Hope for the Future
As part of the 25th GFS World Council, a symbolic tree-planting ceremony was held at the GFS Sri Lanka Headquarters premises. Outgoing World President Ms. Jeanne Withanage, incoming World President Ms. Lois Frankforter, and GFS Sri Lanka President Ms. Rohini Ratnam participated in this meaningful occasion.
The tree planting symbolised GFS’s commitment to caring for God’s creation and building a greener future. Just as a tree grows and flourishes, may the mission of GFS continue to grow through faith, love and service for generations to come.
Standing Together on Orange Day
The World Council also provided an opportunity for GFS members to stand together in support of Orange Day, raising awareness of the need to prevent violence against women and girls.
Wearing orange and participating in activities to mark the day, delegates expressed their shared commitment to creating a world where every girl and woman can live with dignity, safety and freedom from violence.
Orange Day became a powerful expression of the GFS mission to empower girls and women and to speak up for their rights and wellbeing. The World Council also provided an opportunity for GFS members to stand together in support of Orange Day, raising awareness of the need to prevent violence against women and girls.
Wearing orange and participating in activities to mark the day, delegates expressed their shared commitment to creating a world where every girl and woman can live with dignity, safety and freedom from violence.
Orange Day became a powerful expression of the GFS mission to empower girls and women and to speak up for their rights and wellbeing.
Celebrating Our Global Sisterhood
The International Fair brought together the colours, cultures and traditions of GFS members from around the world. Delegates shared their countries’ unique traditions while learning more about one another.
Cultural programmes, fellowship activities and visits around Sri Lanka created many opportunities for friendship and connection.
For many delegates, the Council was not simply a meeting—it was an opportunity to build friendships that crossed national and cultural boundaries.
Different countries. Different cultures. One GFS family.
A Time of Worship and Thanksgiving
Prayer and worship remained at the heart of the World Council.
The opening and closing services brought delegates together to give thanks to God for His guidance throughout the Council and for the ministry of GFS worldwide.
The closing service also marked an important transition in GFS leadership as Ms. Jeanne Withanage concluded her term as World President and Ms. Lois Frankforter of GFS USA was welcomed as the incoming World President for the period 2026 -2029.
The transition represented not an ending, but the beginning of another chapter in the continuing story of GFS.
A Legacy to Carry Forward
The 25th GFS World Council leaves Sri Lanka with memories of friendship, worship, learning, service and shared purpose.
From planting trees for future generations to standing together on Orange Day for the safety and dignity of women and girls, the Council demonstrated that the mission of GFS extends beyond meetings and programmes. It is a commitment to faith in action, service to others and creating positive change in our communities and our world.
For GFS Sri Lanka, hosting the World Council was a moment of immense gratitude and pride. It was an opportunity to welcome the world, share the beauty of Sri Lanka and demonstrate the strength and dedication of our members and leaders.
As delegates returned to their countries, they carried with them new friendships, new ideas and a renewed commitment to the mission of GFS.
With God, All Things Are Possible — Matthew 19:26
Together in Faith, Courage, and Purpose
The journey continues.
The fellowship continues.
The mission continues.