The idea for establishing an Association for the promotion of welfare and camaraderie of public sector employees originated as a result of extensive discussions held during the British colonial era on the matter. Accordingly, the Association was formed on 09th January 1909 and the first General Meeting was held with the participation of 40 members at St Paul’s Boys School in Colombo Fort. Mr. G.Heyn was elected as the founder Chairman and Mr. Owen De La Hurst and Mr. Gordon E. W. Jansz were elected respectively as Secretary and Treasurer. The name “Government Officers’ Benefit Association” was first adopted as official name of the Association at the General Meeting held in 1938. Based on the expansion of membership and resultant increase in the income and expenditure and recognition of the Association as a successful financial institution, it was incorporated by Act No 27 of Parliament in 1971 as “Government Officers’ Benefit Association”. At the Annual General Meeting a President, two Vice Presidents and 12 members are elected to the Committee of Management established under the provisions of the Act. Accordingly, the Association came an institution under the purview of the Ministry of Finance and the Committee of Management also includes a representative nominated by the Secretary to the Treasury.

Thanks largely to the untiring efforts of Mr. P.P.P. Premakumar who served as a President of the Association, the land at Sir Chiththampalam A Gardiner Mawatha on which the headquarters of the Association is situated was obtained on lease under the patronage of the Minister of Finance, the Hon. N.M. Perera at that time. The foundation stone for the construction of the headquarters was laid by the Hon. Minister Ronnie De Mel on 26 August 1972 and it was the unwavering commitment of Mr. R.L.De Alwis, the well respected President of the Association at the time that brought this to fruition.

The headquarters was declared open by the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration on 23 June 1984 and the indefatigable Mr. R.L. De Alwis was at the helm during this entire process. Deriving strength from such proud history, we continue to render an invaluable service to our members from 1909 to date.

• The holiday resort constructed at the Kataragama town centre is one of the most valuable assets of the Association and lodging facilities are available for members as well as non-members at concessionary rates.
• Our second holiday resort was constructed at a picturesque 80 perch strip of land at Katukeliyawa in close proximity to Anuradhapura Sacred Area and was declared open in June 2016 and there too lodging facilities are provided at concessionary rates.
• Arrangements have also been made to construct holiday bungalows in Nuwaraeliya and Trincomalee.
• A relief tour package for pilgrimages to India has been organized.
• The association backed by strong financial foundation and efficient staff is today able to issue loans within a day under 16 different schemes to over 12000 members accordingly. Total loans issued to members exceed Rs 30 million a month.
• Consequent to the computerization of of accounts, members are able to obtain loans within half an hour since year 2016.
• In accordance with the objectives of the Association, medical assistance subject to a maximum of Rs 50,000 is provided and financial support is extended to members at the retirement and in the event of a death.