The initial objective of Sri Lanka Ex -Servicemen’s Association (SLESA) was to foster a spirit of comradeship and esprit de corps among all ranks of Ceylon Ex – Servicemen who served in world wars one ( 1914 -1918) & two ( 1938 – 1945) in order to provide assistance & promote their welfare. Hence after a series of discussions by Senior Officers of Army & Navy in early 5th decade of 20th century, a constitution was formulated by then Navy Pay Master, Commander EFN Gratien. The first official meeting was held at Ward Room of Ceylon Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, Kochchikade in Colombo 13 on the day of 29th August 1944, exactly 76 years ago. In respect of the inaugural meeting, SLESA celebrates the “SLESA Day” on 29th of August every year. Being the pioneer of the Association, Captain (N) W G Beauchamp CBE VRD of CRNVR was elected as the first President of the Association. Major JAT Perera of CGA was the first Secretary to be appointed at the same meeting. There were 7 Army & Navy Affiliated Associations up to 3rd Annual General Assembly in 1951. Subsequently Sri Lanka Air Force too joined SLESA to ensure the representations of all three Forces in Sri Lanka. All though it was limited to world war one & two Veterans initially, after independence to date the membership is widely open to all ex- servicemen & women of Sri Lanka Army, Navy & Air Force & they enjoy all rights in terms of facilities & welfare.
THE JOURNEY OF SLESA The initial objective of Sri Lanka Ex -Servicemen’s Association (SLESA) was to foster a spirit of comradeship and esprit de corps among all ranks of Ceylon Ex – Servicemen who served in world wars one ( 1914 -1918) & two ( 1938 – 1945) in order to provide assistance & promote their welfare. Hence after a series of discussions by Senior Officers of Army & Navy in early 5th decade of 20th century, a constitution was formulated by then Navy Pay Master, Commander EFN Gratien. The first official meeting was held at Ward Room of Ceylon Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, Kochchikade in Colombo 13 on the day of 29th August 1944, exactly 76 years ago. In respect of the inaugural meeting, SLESA celebrates the “SLESA Day” on 29th of August every year. Being the pioneer of the Association, Captain (N) W G Beauchamp CBE VRD of CRNVR was elected as the first President of the Association. Major JAT Perera of CGA was the first Secretary to be appointed at the same meeting. There were 7 Army & Navy Affiliated Associations up to 3rd Annual General Assembly in 1951. Subsequently Sri Lanka Air Force too joined SLESA to ensure the representations of all three Forces in Sri Lanka. All though it was limited to world war one & two Veterans initially, after independence to date the membership is widely open to all ex- servicemen & women of Sri Lanka Army, Navy & Air Force & they enjoy all rights in terms of facilities & welfare. After independence in 1948, General Sir John Kothalawala CH KBE became the president of SLESA & continued for long 33 years till 1981. The new memberships were allowed only to citizens of Sri Lanka in 1968. SLESA became the sole representative for Sri Lanka in Royal Commonwealth Ex – Services League (RCEL) based in UK. RCEL is the umbrella Association for SLESA to date. Therefore, SLESA is vested with the responsibility of managing welfare & wellbeing of world war two veterans & their families throughout in the Island. The grants allocated by RCEL in UK for them are administrated locally by SLESA to date effectively on monthly basis. SLESA is an active member of RCEL now & represents the interests of its members at Global level for all matters.
The incorporation of Sri Lanka Ex – Servicemen’s Association by Act No 8 of 1976 of Parliament was very much significant recognition to the Association & it was again amended to suit the requirements in Act No 42 0f 1992. In line of the Parliamentary Act, the SLESA is governed by its own rules constituted at the General Assembly. Other than the Office bearers, elected at the General Assembly annually & EXCO nominated by Affiliated Associations, a board of Trustees is appointed to advice the Association on formalities & financial management. The structure is transparent & there are 86 EXCO members, representing Affiliated Associations, to make collective decisions at the monthly meeting, held at SLESA Office.
There are 44 Affiliated Associations from all Tri Forces & three Corporates Bodies from Kandy, Matale & Uva province. The active membership, both male & female, is well over 45,000 now & SLESA is the largest single Veteran Organization in Sri Lanka which looks after the interests & welfare of all types of Ex- service men, women of Army, Navy & Air Force and their families. The Organization is not only for Service Pensioners, but for non- pensioners as well. All Members are entitled for equal rights & opportunities irrespective of their service periods, gender or their titles held. Being the formal Association for war veterans in Sri Lanka, SLESA represents the members’ interests at local & international Forums.
Although the Association was formed for World War one & two Veterans in Sri Lanka initially, the Service veterans of post-independence era to date who fought several civil wars & counter terrorism battles to protect our motherland from internal & external threats, are also patronizing the SLESA membership throughout & it definitely adds value & glamor by all means. All members are issued with a SLESA identity card to recognize them as Service veterans. The strength of SLESA is now the widespread multi-cultural Retirees from all corners of the Island & it formulates a unique culture which sets example to rest of the fellow citizens.
There are 230 registered World War two veterans & Veterans’ Next of Kins now, out of thousands of them a two decades ago, who are being supported financially on monthly basis. The beauty of the cause is that they all who are around a century of years guarantee the trust to their younger generation of servicemen on the long standing welfare schemes of SLESA which is committed to look after EX – Servicemen. SLESA is stable on funds & initiate various activities to raise funds annually for member welfare.
The Sri Lankan Soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation during world wars & Internal Conflicts after independence to date are remembered annually on “Remembrance day” which falls on the nearest Sunday to 11th November every year at the Cenotaph at “Viharamaha Devi” Park in Colombo 7. The Poppy Campaign which is under the leadership of SLESA since 1965 provides opportunity for our citizens to pay the gratitude & contribute towards War heroes.
The Patron of SLESA always by appointment is HE the President of Sri Lanka & Vice patrons are Commanders of Army , Navy & Air Force. In addition to that, The Defence Secretary & Chief of Defence Staff guides the Association as required on policy decisions. The rich culture & traditions are in built in SLESA & that has kept the Organization in limelight as a well-respected & independent Body. The Pandemic Covid 19 situation this year restricted our activities to a certain extent. However SLESA could continue the welfare functions to support the members without delay. Today we celebrate the 76th Anniversary & “SLESA Day” with pride as senior citizens who contributed to bring peace to our motherland by sacrificing our youth. We remember with gratitude all those who uplifted SLESA in all aspects during its journey & assure the Nation that SLESA will continue to serve War Veterans in future as well.