Who We Are
Empowering Women. Protecting Rights. Changing Lives.
Hope
Supportive
Empowering
24/7 Support
Standing Together
Why Women and Girls?
Women In Need is a local non-profit and non- governmental organization dedicated to combatting all forms of Sexual and Gender Based Violence for Women and Girls across Sri Lanka over 30 years. Over the years WIN has worked hard to reach out and support vulnerable women and girls. Growing from an informal group of women fighting for a cause, to an organization of international repute, providing a multitude of services for the protection of Women and Girls, advocating for their rights and being a voice for the voiceless.
Violence against women and girls has become deeply ingrained in many Sri Lankan homes and communities normalized through harmful attitudes that excuse domestic abuse, street harassment, sexual violence, child abuse, and gender inequality. In Sri Lanka, 3 in 5 women experience domestic violence, yet fewer than 1% seek justice through the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act. A woman is raped every 90 minutes, and shockingly, 97% of perpetrators face no legal consequences. These realities make it urgent to break the cycle and protect the rights and dignity of every woman.
Established in 1987 - WIN since its founding in 1987 has grown amidst many difficulties and struggles into an organization which is recognized, respected and trusted, nationally and internationally, as an institution, which has lived up to its objectives in protecting victims of domestic and all forms of sexual and gender- based violence.
44% of pregnant women experience domestic violence at home
Nearly half of all expectant mothers suffer abuse during pregnancy, putting both mother and child at risk.
3 - 5 children are raped every day in Sri Lanka
An alarming and heartbreaking reality facing the country’s most vulnerable.
95% of woman face sexual harassment in public places
Almost every woman using public transportation has endured harassment, making daily travel a source of fear and distress.
About Us
Women In Need (WIN) is a dedicated, local non-profit and non-governmental organization committed to combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) against women and girls across Sri Lanka.
Our Journey Since 1987
Since 1987, our mission is to empower women to break the silence and win against violence, to lead the way to a violence-free society, increase victims coping skills to combat the trauma of violence experienced, and to strengthen them to rebuild their lives.
Nationwide Presence
WIN operates in seven key districts across Sri Lanka, with seven fully equipped crisis centers, five police station help desks, and two hospital desks in Puthukudiyiruppu and Colombo. Our centers are located in Anuradhapura, Badulla, Batticaloa, Colombo, Jaffna, Matara, and Ratnapura bringing support directly to those who need it most.
Confidential Support that makes a Difference
Driven by a passion to protect and empower survivors, our team ensures strict confidentiality for every client. We are committed not only to supporting victims but also to preventing further violence and safeguarding their rights every step of the way.
Expert Legal and Counselling Support
Our team includes 15 specialised lawyers and 24 trained counsellors with deep expertise in gender-based violence. Together, they handle thousands of cases annually, with a strong focus on domestic violence.
Our Board Members
WIN is led by a passionate team of skilled professionals committed to tirelessly supporting thousands of women and girls affected by gender-based violence. Their unwavering dedication drives our mission forward every day.
Exucutive Director- Savithri Wijesekera
Dilrukshi D’Alwis
Priyanthi Kuruppu - Anuradhapura
Shyama Perera Member of Director Board (Corporate Sector)
Asha Vasan
Ramola Sivasundara
Peshali Fernando
Roshini Fernando- Badulla
Shermila Anthony
Ramani Jayasundara
Ramanika Unnambowe
Our Management Team
Exucutive Director- Savithri Wijesekera
Social Enterprise Project Manager, Shelter Affairs & Creative Admin- Kavindi Wijesekera
Human Resource & Adminstration Manager- Diloka Kamalgoda
Porgramme & Legal Manager- Mariam Wadood
Finance Manager
Heads of Department
Head of Legal - Shanika Wijesinghe
Head of Counselling- Anoja Makawita
Head of Legal - Shanika Wijesinghe
Head of Counselling- Anoja Makawita
Our Centrer Managers
Kumari Herath - Anuradhapura
Chandrakanthi Epitawatta - Ratnapura
Chithra Kajanan - Jaffna
Jeewanthi Bandara- Badulla
Shangeetha Dharamaranchan - Batticaloa
Lasanthi Sooriyaarachchi-Matara
Shangeetha Dharamaranchan - Batticaloa
Lasanthi Sooriyaarachchi-Matara
Our team includes 15 specialised lawyers and 25 Trained counsellors with deep expertise in GBV. Together they handle thousands of cases annually with a strong focus on prevention and response to Domestic Violence.
Prema Merle Weerasinghe, whose belief, conviction, and quiet strength helped shape the foundation of Women In Need.
A retired teacher by profession, she dedicated much of her life to social service. Her worldview was rooted in a strong belief in justice, equality, and the fundamental right of every individual to be treated with fairness and dignity. She believed that systems must protect the vulnerable and that social responsibility was not optional, but essential.
Beyond WIN, she was actively involved with the Sri Lanka Cancer Society, Jayanthi Infants’ Home, Parakrama Boys’ Home, and Mallika Home for the Elderly. Within her community, she was respected not only for her work, but for the integrity, resilience, and moral clarity with which she carried it.
In Honour of Centrer Prema Merle Weerasinghe
Some legacies are built quietly, through steady belief and unwavering conviction.
Prema Weerasinghe was one of those legacies.
When Women In Need began as a simple drop in centre, she stood among its founding members, believing deeply that women deserved dignity, safety, and a place to be heard. What started as a modest initiative grew gradually, step by step, into the nationally recognised organisation WIN is today. Through every stage of that growth, her presence remained constant.
As a founding member and later Patron of the organisation, she offered steady guidance and enduring support, helping shape the institution’s foundation during its formative years. Her role was never about visibility. It was about conviction.
An avid reader and progressive thinker, she believed in forward looking and meaningful approaches to addressing gender based violence. Her service was rooted not in recognition or reward, but in responsibility and principle. And Her commitment created continuity and left behind a standard of service that endures.
“To those who knew her, she was warmth and fire in equal measure, deeply compassionate, fiercely principled, and resilient in a way that inspired both affection and profound respect.”
Where WIN WIN Makes an Impact
Women In Need (WIN) provides vital support services to women and girls affected by gender-based violence across Sri Lanka. In 2018, WIN proudly marked 30 years of unwavering commitment to ending violence against women nationwide.
