Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Institute celebrates 50 yearsas

Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Institute celebrated their 50th Anniversary at a function held at the SLESI premises on Bristol Street Colombo 1, under the auspices of the Chief Guest, Major General (Rtd) Tilak Paranagama, recently

The Guests of Honour were Air Vice Martial (Rtd) A. B. Sosa and Sri Lanka Navy Captain (Rtd) W.P.J.S. Jayasinghe. Chairman SLESI, Major General Susil Chandrapala and member current SLESI Board of Trustees, Major General (Rtd) S. Wanigesekera were also at the head table.

The Sri Lanka Ex- Servicemen’s Institute SLESI known as the “Home of the Brave Veterans” has a rich history, having originated as way back as 1877 enacted by an ordinance as “The Colombo Sailors Home”. With the passage of time, the British soldiers and airmen were also allowed to use the facilities provided by the Institute. The present Sri Lanka Ex- Servcemen Institute was established by an act of Parliament in February 1973.

Since then SLESI has become the leading military veterans Institute providing several services such as accommodation, Meeting Rooms, Banquet Halls, Bar and Restaurant facilities to retired and Service members of all services.

To mark this Golden milestone, a team of the SLESI under the stewardship of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, SLESI, Major General Susil Chandrapala, had meticulously organised a half a day’s programme befitting the occasion.

The morning’s programme’s welcome speech was delivered by Major General Wanigesekera, outstanding servicemen were felicitated with mementos and cash prizes by the Chief Guest Major General T. Paranagama and Chairman, SLESI Board of Trustees gave a powerpoint presentation that briefly gave the origins, history and review of the SLESI’s progress within the years and future plans. The programme culminated with a sumptuous lunch for the ex-servicemen.