About the GFS Hall

In 1911, Mr. Charles Peiris offered to provide a building in memory of his daughter Elsie, a GFS member, who died at the age of 15, on condition that the GFS would find the land. Members took up the challenge with dedication, worked hard to raise funds, and it is recorded that in 1918 the Society purchased an acre of land in a prestigious location at Green Path in Colombo 3.

As the Society flourished, membership grew and its work expanded. The need for a permanent building to conduct general programmes, meetings, and training sessions became increasingly important.

Mr. Peiris then built a “magnificent” building on the purchased land and gifted it to the GFS. It was blessed and opened by Rt. Rev. E. A. Copleston, Bishop of Colombo, on June 23, 1923. The building continues to function as the GFS Headquarters. We remain deeply grateful to Mr. Peiris and his descendants for this generous donation, which has served and continues to serve hundreds of girls and women throughout the years.

With its imposing façade and charming hall featuring a teak floor and stage, the building was fully refurbished in 2010, upgraded with air conditioning in 2017, and further improved in 2022 when the old roof tiles were replaced with new ones.

Today, the Hall is hired out for services, meetings, classes, children’s parties, exhibitions, examinations, concerts, weddings, sports tournaments, sales, and other events. It remains in great demand due to its unique blend of old-world charm and modern facilities.