History

This Institute was enacted by ordinance in 1877 as "The Colombo Sailors Home." In 1906, the Trustees permitted the premises to be used both by the soldiers and sailors before it was enacted by Ordinance No.19 in 1922 to incorporate it as the newly named "British Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Institute." This was re-enacted by Ordinance No.14 in 1945 to include Air Force personnel as well.

The British Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Institute [BSSI], formed in 1922 was associated with providing the privileges of club life to the members of His/Her Majesty’s Forces, the Merchant Shipping Service, and the Ceylon Tri-Services. According to the Ferguson Directory, the BSSI was supported and housed in the Young Men’s Christian Association [YMCA], which was situated next door. In 1925, H.E. Sir William Manning had decided to donate Rs. 85,000.00 to the BSSI from the Ceylon War Charities Memorial Fund.

In one of the minutes of the YMCA records, it states that the BSSI was re-established in its present location in 1952 with funds provided by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and their associated companies, the Royal Navy, the British Army, and the Royal Air Force, with donations from numerous shipping companies and many public-spirited Ceylonese residents. The architects were Edwards, Reid & Begg Associates, and the contractors were Colombo Commercial Co., Ltd.

The British Government selected the present location in Bristol Street, as it was in close proximity to the Colombo harbour, thus enabling British soldiers and sailors to meet their needs conveniently. It is of interest to note that the Ceylonese soldiers and sailors who served in the II World Wars and the serving personnel of the Ceylon Defence Forces met at a place in Norris Road, Colombo in the present Fort Railway Station premises that was established on 12th August 1947, and was run by the Ceylon Light Infantry Association.

The present Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Institute was established in February 1973, by an Act of Parliament, namely the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Institute Law No. 02 of 1973. The premises were leased under Section 6 of the Crown Land Ordinance to the SLESI, which is incorporated under the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Institute Act No. 2 of 1973.

The Patron of SLESI is the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka whilst the Chief of Defence Staff and the three Service Commanders are appointed as Vice Patrons. A Board of Trustees has been vested with powers as per the above Act to make rules and regulations for the purpose of such control and management of the Institute. The following trustees are appointed accordingly.

  1. Four Trustees by the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association (elected to represent the Army, Navy and Air Force).
  2. Three Trustees by the President to represent the three Service Commanders.
  3. Two Trustees to represent the Minister of Defence.

The following welfare amenities are provided to the members of the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association, the serving members of the Armed Forces, Associate Members and Foreign Servicemen touring Sri Lanka.

  1. Accommodation facilities at reasonable rates for all members (A/C and non A/C rooms).
  2. Auditorium for member associations to conduct meetings.
  3. Air Conditioned reception hall for members and their families.
  4. Air Conditioned Billiards room for members.
  5. Bar facilities for members to enjoy club life.
  6. Restaurant and a pastry shop facility.
  7. Parking facilities for members.

The Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Institute has been a brother-hood in service to our members and continues to provide welfare facilities as mentioned above at a convenient and central location in the heart of the city. We are proud to record the service, honour, respect, and dedicated service of all our members who have given the best years of their youth in patriotic service to our motherland, SRI LANKA.