The Sri Lanka Light Infantry Association what was originally the "Ceylon Light Infantry Association" saw its humble birth on 17th December 1945, at the headquarters of 2nd Ceylon Light Infantry (2 CLI), Baladaksha Mawatha, Colombo as more or less an occasional forum of interaction by retired light infantry officers and men who had served in the World Wars I and II.
History of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry
The birth of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry dates back to 1st April 1881, when the Ceylon Light Infantry Volunteers was formed. Lieutenant Colonel John Scot Armitage was appointed as the first Commanding Officer. Its origin smacks much of colonial ties for the incidental reason that the formative years coincided with the arrival of a Prince of the Royal family in England. ie. Prince Albert Edward or Prince of Wales who agreed to be the first honorary Colonel of the Regiment.
Not overburdened with the motto he lent, (“I Serve”) nor with his personal insignia lent to adorn the regimental crest, it soon galvanizes into action with the formation of the mounted Infantry Company and in 1900, this contingent was sent to South Africa for participation in the famous Boer War and its services were acknowledged by the British Royalty. During the British colonial time the Ceylon Light Infantry had extended services to the World Wars I & II and made its own proud contribution.
I Serve
Light Infantry Association
The Sri Lanka Light Infantry Association what was originally the "Ceylon Light Infantry Association" saw its humble birth on 17th December 1945, at the headquarters of 2nd Ceylon Light Infantry (2 CLI), Baladaksha Mawatha, Colombo as more or less an occasional forum of interaction by retired light infantry officers and men who had served in the World Wars I and II. The retired war veterans in the organization thus regularly met a few occasions every year to interact and share with their mesmerizing experiences related to their military service.
The first chairperson of the association was General Sir John Kothelawala CHPS KBE LLD ED who was then a colonel retired. He continued his duties as the President of the organization from 1945 to 1980. The new association steadily grew with the passage of time and gathered much momentum when it was introduced a constitution by Major General HV Athukorale VSV psc FBIM who was the elected president of the organization in 1987. During his tenure, a membership fee was also introduced for members in order to increase funds. The membership fee was initially Rs. 5/= and it gradually rose up to Rs. 50/= under the same chairmanship in order to meet the organizational expenses. The increment of the membership yet was being insufficient to meet the organizational expenditures. In view of this, Deshamanya Major General AK Jayawardene who was the Commanding Officer of the 1st Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment in 1987 contributed to raise the organizational fund significantly by providing "Sponsor Membership" to all serving Sri Lanka Light Infantry members as well and thereby collecting a membership fee from each of them.
The Sri Lanka Light Infantry Association as at present provides its members all the facilities extended by Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen's Association. The organization also supports its members financially to meet their medical requirements. In addition, the organization provides financial aids to the needy children of those members and assists them to find suitable employment opportunities.
PRESIDENT
