The Ceylon Bible Society (CBS), one of the oldest existing societies in Sri Lanka according to the records available at the Department of Archives, was inaugurated on 1st August 1812. . It has functioned as a resource centre for Bible distribution from the year 1812.The CBS produces Scripture based material on behalf of Catholic Churches, member Churches of the National Christian Council and many new Churches, for the purpose of evangelism and mission work.The Bible Society serves these Churches and their partner organizations as a resource, but does not usurp the mission of these Churches. Traditionally the work of the Bible Societies has concentrated on making the Bible accessible and affordable to all people at highly subsidized prices.