Sri Lanka Sumithrayo (Best friends) was founded in the capital city of Sri Lanka- Colombo, in 1974 by Joan De Mel. Sri Lanka once known as Ceylon is an island in the Indian Ocean, enjoying the status of an independent republic and a member of the British Commonwealth of nations.

As a branch of Befrienders International, the organization offers a free service to the community through a group of trained volunteers who are engaged in various activities aimed at reducing the suicide rates in the country. Was first established at Deans Road, Colombo 10, on premises loaned to the organization by the Ceylon Social Services League but soon moved to their own premises No. 60B, Horton Place.

The Colombo Branch, the National Council, the Training Centre and Mel Medura (see later)are all located at Horton Place in Colombo 7 on premises gifted to the organization by the founder Joan De Mel.

The organization was incorporated by Act of Parliament No.10 of 1986 and has many branches in different parts of the island.