The All-Ceylon Women’s Buddhist Congress (ACWBC) celebrated its Diamond Jubilee last year having rendered an honorable service to the country for 75 years. It was established on July 12, 1949 soon after Ceylon gained Independence ending an era under the British Empire.
Religious and cultural revival took place subsequently throughout the Island. A group of 26 inspired Buddhist women led by Mrs. B. S. Jayawardena formed the All-Ceylon Women’s Buddhist Association (ACWBA), the premier Buddhist women`s organisation in the country. They came forward to help women in need and promote Buddhist activities in society.
Under the guidance of Evadne de Silva, the first President, the ACWBA obtained a piece of prime land on Bullers Road(now Bauddhaloka Mawatha) in 1950. Sir Lalitha Rajapaksa who was in the first Cabinet of Ministers was instrumental in getting the approval for the land at the request of the first Secretary of the Association, Chrysobel Rajapakse. It was registered as a charitable organisation in January, 1952.
A collection of funds commenced for the construction of the Headquarters and the foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake. Mrs. B. S. Jayawardena opened the building on July 12, 1954.
The Headquarters stands as a monument to the vision of the group who worked hard in establishing the ACWBC, the premier Buddhist women’s organisation in Sri Lanka. There had been many affiliated Branches assisting the activities of the main Association during the formative years, but none of them are functioning. Since the branches were opened in Matale, Ragama, Gampaha and Anuradhapura, the Association became the All Ceylon Women`s Buddhist Congress (ACWBC).
Promoting Buddhist and social activities, educating women in different spheres, providing residential facilities to working women were considered as some of the main objectives at the beginning. The priority was given to religious activities.
The ACWBC opened Tharunee, the Girls’ Hostel in May, 1955 to provide accommodation for working women and school leavers following courses in the city. Accommodation is provided for 50 young women at present. Homes were constructed for those in need. Aloka home for the blind, Sandya home for destitute elderly women, a hospice where the elderly can live with assisted help are some of them.
In 1978, Pubudu home for the differently-abled children was established through the Social Service Department. A project on self-employment and skills development among low income women and girls was launched in 1992, sponsored by the Sri Lanka Canada Fund.
Many members devoted their time, energy and resources to develop the Congress throughout these years. The noble services rendered by them which laid a strong foundation for benevolent social work strengthened the existence of the Congress to reach its 75th year and to look back with pride and look forward with hope.
