Sri Lanka Sumithrayo, a Government approved charity was founded by the Late Mrs. Joan De Mel in 1974. From its humble beginnings at Deans Road, Colombo 10, on premises loaned by the Ceylon Social Services League, Sri Lanka Sumithrayo is now housed at no 60B Horton place, Colombo 07, which was gifted by its beloved founder - Joan de Mel. The organization was incorporated by Act of Parliament No.10 of 1986.