Established in 1992, the Community Encouragement Foundation was founded in response to the growing challenges faced by internally displaced individuals in Sri Lanka’s Puttlam District following prolonged civil unrest.

The influx of people placed immense strain on available resources, particularly for vulnerable groups, especially sex workers. High unemployment rates and mounting responsibilities led many to rely on money lending mechanisms to meet basic needs, trapping them in a pervasive cycle of debt.

This crisis gave rise to severe socio-economic issues, including forced labor, exploitation, and the alarming increase in sex work.

Female sex workers, in particular, found themselves in an extremely precarious position, continuously marginalized and stigmatized due to the illegal nature of their work while facing physical, sexual, and psychological abuse without access to support systems. 

Recognizing these urgent challenges, the organization initiated a drop-in center in 2018 to create a safe and supportive space where female sex workers could openly discuss their concerns, access essential services, and receive critical information about their rights, needs, and available options.