John Keells Foundation
Empowering the Nation for Tomorrow
The John Keells Group, through its CSR entity John Keells Foundation (JKF), is committed to creating lasting value and empowering communities through need-based and sustainable initiatives impacting thousands of lives towards a brighter future, within the Group’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework.
John Keells Group believes in demonstrating our commitment to all our stakeholders including the communities and environment in which our businesses operate.
The CSR commitments of the John Keells Group are aligned to its Social Ambitions under the ESG framework. They are aimed at empowering the productivity of our people, the self-reliance of our communities and the social and environmental health of our nation. The Group allocates a minimum of 1% of annual profit to social responsibility initiatives.
John Keells Foundation is the primary driver of the Group’s CSR. Initiatives are driven under four focus areas, aligned with national priorities, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the UN Global Compact.
Focus Area
Empowering communities through impactful initiatives
Education
Empowering employability and entrepreneurship of children and youth through access to educational...
Community & Livelihoods
Empowering self-reliant communities through better access to sustainable livelihoods, enabling ecosystems...
Social Health & Cohesion
Empowering a healthy and progressive Sri Lanka by combatting social barriers, promoting dialogue and supporting...
Biodiversity
Enhancing quality of life for all through the conservation and promotion of natural resources, habitats and wildlife
What Our Logo Represents
Two hands upholding the Manel flower; embodies our promise to support, uplift, and empower communities.
Sri Lanka’s national flower - The Manel Mala
Symbolises purity, resilience, and hope
Two hands upholding the Manel flower
Reflects our role in enabling progress through compassion, responsibility, and collective action
Our logo represents
Two hands upholding the Manel flower; embodies our promise to support, uplift, and empower communities.
Testimonials
See what our Partners have to say about us
This (Soft Skills Workshop) was especially meaningful because it wasn't specific to any one industry. It was relevant to everyone, and the skills and techniques they taught can be applied to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Thanks to JKF for giving us the opportunity to discover our purpose and vision.
- Soft Skills Workshops
I’ve been engaged in agriculture from a young age, following in my father’s footsteps as a farmer. When JKF first visited us, I was cultivating only a small plot of land. Thanks to the support we received—both equipment and training—I’ve been able to expand my cultivation. The nets have helped protect our crops …….., while the sprinkler system has made irrigation more efficient. Previously, we had to water the entire land manually, which consumed a lot of water. The income we now earn from farming helps cover our daily expenses
We extend our sincere gratitude to JKF for your steadfast partnership and for serving as a cornerstone of our efforts to strengthen child protection services through Project WAVE. Your contribution is making a tangible and quantifiable difference as evidenced by the growing numbers of successful investigations and legal referrals.”
Police officers are the ones who implement the law. For victims to receive justice, officers must be knowledgeable. The Community Police and Women’s Desk are grateful for the programme conducted by JKF. It is a valuable initiative. Through this programme, we better understand our duties as police officers.
I was a recipient of the English Proficiency Programme by JKF and the Merit based Scholarship programme for three consecutive years. Both these programmes played a role in shaping my career both in the corporate and academic domains in Sri Lanka and overseas. Today, I'm the Head of the Department of Transport Management and Logistics Engineering at the University of Moratuwa
In 2014, JKF invited me to help create a roadmap to address GBV in Sri Lanka...The private sector wasn't even fully open to recognizing GBV as an issue, so I wasn’t sure what to expect.... JKF took a difficult topic and stayed the course. That sustained commitment made a real difference."
One of the greatest achievements in my long career at JKH has been to serve the John Keells Foundation as the team leader for Conservation for over nine years.
During this tenure, we achieved much in giving back to society and Mother Nature a helping hand for all the pleasures of being born in this Eden called Lanka – once upon a time.
A Nature Field Centre at Rumassala for school children to understand biodiversity was an early project, then we collaborated with the Chamber in sponsoring the conduct of a Biodiversity Symposium. We funded the elephant census back in 2013, and we launched Project Leopard, through which we helped over 75 dairy farmers in the Yala, Kirinda theatre to protect their young cattle from leopards, thus reducing the conflict that was brewing between villagers and big cats.
I’m so grateful to the Foundation for paving the way for us to volunteer and give back; it’s the greatest feeling of them all.
- Wildlife Projects
Latest News
Discover Our Latest Events & News
Press Release • 9 Sep, 2026
John Keells Scholars showcase impressive language and perfoming skills at English Day Finals 2026
The “English for Teens” Tier 1 scholars impressed the audience and judges with their English language proficiency, creativity and confidence through performance of dramas and presentations at John Keells English…
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Resources
Sustainability Reports
CSR Brochure
Awards & Accolades
