Home of the Brave Veterans
‘The Colombo Sailors’ Home’’ was established in 1877 under the Ordinance enacted under the same name. Subsequently in 1906 the Trustees were permitted to allow the said premises to e used both by the soldiers and sailors. The above mentioned Ordinance was re-enacted in 1922 as Ordinance No. 19 to incorporate the ‘British Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Institute’’. It was further amended as Ordinance No. 14 of `945 and permitted to allow Airmen as well.
The British Government selected the present location in Bristol Street, as it is close to the Colombo harbour to enable British Sailors and Soldiers to meet their requirements conveniently. According to the plaque prominently displayed ‘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, which had been erected 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.’’
