SRI LANKA EX-SERVICEMEN INSTITUTE CELEBRATES ITS 52nd ANNIVERSARY.
Recent event of the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Institute was the 52nd Anniversary Celebration in a grand scale with the participation of the present and past members of the Institute.
It was held on 14 Aug 2025 at the Vijithapura Hall of the Institute located in Colombo Fort, at no. 29, Razeek Fareed Mawatha, Colombo 1. The event was organized under the direction of the current Chairman, Brigadier (Retd) K.A. Gnanaweera, along with the Board of Trustees and its Manager, Squadron Leader (Retd) Chandana Nawagattegama, with the participation of distinguished gathering of past chairmen, life members, employees, and well-wishers of the Institute.
The highlight of the occasion was the presence of General (Retd) R.M. Daya Rathnayake, former Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. His participation underscored the continued commitment of the Institute to honour the legacy and contributions of Sri Lanka’s ex-servicemen and women. Adding prestige to the ceremony was the presence of the Guests of Honour: Major General (Retd) A.K. Sooriyabandara, Major General (Retd) M.D.S. Chandrapala, Air Vice Marshal (Retd) O.D.N.L. Perera and Rear Admiral (Retd) H.R. Mayadunne, past Chairmen of the Institute. Their presence reflected the unity and camaraderie among veterans across the Tri-Services.
Chairman welcoming the Chief Guest, Gen Daya Ratnayake spoke about his commitment towards the ex-servicemen and women for their welfare when he was the Commander of the Army. Chairman also paid tribute to the past Chairmen for their contributions towards the development of the Institute during their respective period of service. Chairman highlighted the cooperation and the support extended by the present members of the Truste Board. He also thanked the manager and the rest of the employees for their cooperation in running the Institute as a profitable venture. The Ceremony was concluded after all members partaking a salubrious lunch with the Chief Guest and the invitees.
PHOTOGRAPHS HIGHLIGHTING THE EVENT
Arrival of the Chief Guest


Lighting the Oil Lamp

Chief Guest lighting the oil lamp
Invitees lighting the oil lamp





Introducing to the visitors



Chief Guest at the head table

Attention to National Anthem



Address by the Chairman


Address by the Chief Guest

Appreciation to the Chief Guest


Presentation to the Chief Guest by the Chairman – Manager, with Chairman
Special Event of the Day
Guest lecture on Hospitality Trade by Mrs. Shammi Jayaweera
Deputy Head, Dept of Tourism & Hospitality Management, British College of Applied Sciences, Colombo

The lecture elaborately delivered by the lecturer was aimed mainly at the employees with the view of refreshing their knowledge on the tasks provided to the guests in the Hospitality trade.
Award of Life Membership

Mr. Hareeen Gunawardhana, past member receiving the memento from the Chief Guest
Special awards to Senior Employees

Mr. Ranjan, senior Steward, receiving his Award from Maj Gen Ananda Suriyabandara.

Mr. Keerthi, Resturant I/C, receiving his Award from Maj Gen Ananda Suriyabandara.

Mr. Shalika, receiving 'Best Employee of the year Award' from Maj Gen Ananda Suriyabandara.
Chairman with few past Chairmen and members of the present Trustee Board


Group Photogtaph
Chairman & Chief Guest with the Employees of SLESI - 2025

Chief Guest at lunch with Chairman

Guests at lunch


Special moments








Vote of thanks by the Manager,
Dr. (Hon) R.A.H.M.C.T.B. Nawagattegama

END