History

The present Ex-Servicemen’s Institute has more than a century-old history. This organization has an interesting history that transformed from time to time over the years starting from British rule to what it is today.

In 1815 the country came under the rule of the British, and since then British servicemen started arriving in the country, first beginning with British sailors. As the sailors disembarked from ships at Colombo Port, they were brought into the present area between Duke Street and Bristol Street. This location served as their first rendezvous point before being dispatched to other areas in the country, such as Trincomalee, Galle, Jaffna, and Diyatalawa. Since then, this area has been used for British servicemen, including personnel of the British Merchant Navies, probably as a transit camp.

With more sailors coming into the country, an Ordinance was enacted in 1877, under the name “British Sailors Home”. Followed by the sailors, in 1906, British soldiers were also permitted to use the same premises at Bristol Street where club facilities were provided for their convenience. The above-mentioned Ordinance was re-enacted in 1922 as Ordinance No. 19 to incorporate the ‘British Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Institute’ abbreviated as “BSSI’’ to accommodate both sailors and soldiers.

British rulers, anticipating the start of World War II, brought British airmen into the country to face new operational requirements. The same premises were used by airmen as well. To include the airmen, the Ordinance No. 19 of 1922 was re-enacted in 1945 as the ‘British Services Institute’ abbreviated as “BSI”.

The British Government selected the present location in Bristol Street, as it is close to the Colombo harbour, enabling British Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen to conveniently meet their requirements where club facilities were also provided.

According to the plaque erected at the entrance of the present building prominently displaying the words on it as ‘This building was intended for the use of all branches of the fighting services and all members of the merchant navies of the British Commonwealth. The building been erected (date not indicated), with funds provided by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and their associated companies, the Royal Navy, the British Army, the Royal Air Force with donations from numerous H.M Ships’ companies and many public-spirited Ceylon residents, Architects Edwards, Reid & Begg and the contractors, the Colombo Commercial Co. Ltd.’’ After the WW11, the place was available for the exclusive use of both Servicemen and Ex-servicemen. During British time the Institute was managed by a body consisting of high-level civilian authorities, and the British Governor was its Patron while the Chairman was the Govt Agent W.P. With the gaining of independence of the Country the Institute was handed over to the Ceylon Government in 1948. Since then, the Ceylon Govt too appointed a Board of Management of eminent members in the country to manage the Institute for the benefit of all servicemembers, both serving and retired. The institute was named as Ceylon Ex- servicemen’s Institute. (CESI).

Later in 1973, Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Institute was re-established in February 1973, by an Act of Parliament, namely the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Institute (SLESI) 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 H.E. President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, whilst the three Service Commanders are appointed as Vice Patrons. A Board of Trustees has been vested with powers as per the Act to make rules and regulations for the control and management of the Institute. The nine trustees are appointed accordingly as per the Act as follows:

  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 H.E. the President of Sri Lanka to represent the three Service Commanders.
  3. Two Trustees to represent the Minister of Defence.

One of the above members is elected and appointed by the members to head the Board as its Chairman. The custom has been that the member who receives the highest votes from the Executive Committee of SLESA is nominated as the Chairman.

Facilities Provided at the Institute

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.

It is noted that the Institute offered the privilege of becoming a member without payment once they became members of the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association. This became effective from 2009. Before that, members had to pay a subscription fee which varied over time. It is mandatory that any member seeking privileges of the Institute must present their SLESA membership card at the reception.

  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 pastry shop facilities.
  7. Parking facilities for members.

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