Since its inception in March 2005, the John Keells Foundation has been at the forefront of driving corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives within the John Keells Group, making a significant impact on communities across Sri Lanka. As the CSR entity of the John Keells Group, the foundation plays a pivotal role in spearheading strategic and sustainable projects aimed at addressing key social and environmental challenges in the country.

Registered under the Companies Act and the Voluntary Social Service Organizations Act, the John Keells Foundation operates as a company limited by guarantee, reflecting its commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. Through its medium to long-term projects, the foundation focuses on six key areas that reflect the diversity of the John Keells Group's operations.

Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations Global Compact, the initiatives undertaken by the John Keells Foundation cover a wide range of areas, including education, healthcare, environmental conservation, community development, and more. By addressing these critical issues, the foundation seeks to create meaningful and lasting change that positively impacts the lives of individuals and communities across Sri Lanka.

One of the key strengths of the John Keells Foundation lies in its ability to implement projects that not only address immediate needs but also contribute to long-term sustainable development. By adopting a holistic approach and working closely with local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders, the foundation ensures that its initiatives have a lasting and meaningful impact on society.

Through its focus on strategic and sustainable projects, the John Keells Foundation has made significant strides in areas such as education, where it has implemented programs to enhance access to quality education and skills development opportunities for underprivileged communities. Similarly, in healthcare, the foundation has worked to improve access to healthcare services and promote health and well-being among marginalized populations.

Furthermore, the John Keells Foundation actively engages employees of the John Keells Group in its CSR activities, fostering a culture of volunteerism and corporate citizenship within the organization. Through employee volunteer programs and initiatives, the foundation encourages employees to actively participate in community development efforts, further amplifying its impact on society.