SOS Children’s Villages Sri Lanka marked the 106th birth anniversary of its founder, Dr. Hermann Gmeiner, on June 23, 2025. To commemorate this occasion, all six SOS Children’s Villages across Sri Lanka hosted a series of community-focused events on this day, honoring Dr. Gmeiner’s contributions to child development and care.
Dr. Gmeiner, born in 1919, established the first SOS Children’s Village in Austria in 1949. His initiative was driven by a commitment to provide family-like care for children who had lost parental care during World War II. This model, which emphasizes a loving home environment and other supporting operations, has since expanded to over 138 countries, including Sri Lanka.
Every year, care leavers, SOS Mothers, children, and staff come together on this special day. This yearly gathering celebrates the lasting impact of the family-like care model, honoring the person who started it and gave hope and a home to many. The distributed celebrations across the villages highlighted the organization’s ongoing commitment to its core values of care and support for children.
“Dr. Gmeiner’s vision laid the foundation for a unique approach to child care that prioritizes stability, love, and a sense of belonging,” stated Mr. Divakar Ratnadurai, National Director, SOS Children’s Villages Sri Lanka. “The commemorations served as an important opportunity to reflect on this enduring legacy and the profound impact it continues to have on countless children’s lives.”
SOS Children’s Villages Sri Lanka operates under the global framework of SOS-Kinderdorf International, providing long-term care for children who have lost parental care or are at risk of losing it. The organization’s model focuses on creating a family-like environment, where children are raised by dedicated SOS Mothers and supported by Village Directors. This structure aims to foster strong bonds and provide comprehensive development for each child. For more information, visit www.soschildrensvillages.lk.