The Colombo Club was established on 4 March 1871 by prominent British colonialists in the island at the Colpity Race Course Grandstand.
[1] The original resolution stating, "That a club be formed for the purpose of establishing and maintaining reading, billiard, card and refreshment rooms in Colombo for the benefit of the members and generally for the carrying out of all purposes incidental to social clubs of the above description.
"[2] On 15 July 1871 the club received the official seal approval when the Governor Sir Hercules Robinson agreed to become the club's patron and president.
[3] The Colombo Club was the most exclusive club in the country, its membership was limited to British and Europeans until Ceylon gained independence in 1948, thereafter membership was extended to Ceylonese.
[5] In 1995 membership was extended to include women, with Chloe de Soysa become the first female member.