The Ramakrishna movement in Sri Lanka was started with the arrival of Swami Vivekananda in January 1897 on his way back to India after his historic address in the parliament of Religions at Chicago.

At the request of his devotees, he sent his brother disciple Swami Shivananda in July 1897 to Colombo in order to spread the message of Sri Ramakrishna. This was done with great favour for about 8 months after which he returned back to India. Thereafter many other direct disciples and Swamis arrived and carried on their activities in several parts of Sri Lanka including Jaffna, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Matala.

Then the Ramakrishna mission (Ceylon Branch) was incorporated by ordinance on 17th July 1929. It evolved further and now celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of the establishment. Currently the Mission operates with its two branches having head office in Colombo and a sub-centre in Batticaloa.

• Daily worship, Weekly classes, Spiritual retreats, Celebration of Birthdays of prophets
• A Sunday Religious School & Personality Development Programmes for School Children
• A Library and Free Reading Room
• A Religious Book Outlet to supply books at cheap rates & for distribution of Ramakrishna Mission publications among schools and libraries
  
• International Cultural Centre with an Auditorium  & Guest House - for religious and cultural programmes at nominal rates
• Swami Vivekananda School for children with special needs
• Welfare & Relief Work
  
  - Relief & Rehabilitation
  - Educational Aid
  - Child welfare
  - Family Support
  - Aid for the Disabled
  - Medical Aid
  - Vocational Training
  - Aid for  Employment