The union was first formed on 13 th July 1959 as a result of the ardent efforts of late Hon. J.R. Jayawardene, a leader of the United National Party and the first Executive President of the island Republic. Mr Hema Ranasooriya was the first President of JSS. Subsequently, Mr. Tudor Keerthinanda, Hon. J.R.Jayawardene, Hon C.Cyril Mathew, Mr. W.A.Neville Perera, Hon. Festus Perera, Hon. Gamini Jayawikrama Perera, Hon. Gamini Athukorala, Hon Gamini Lokuge, Hon.Tissa Attanayake , Hon. Jhonston Fernando and recently Dr. Jayalath Jayawardana had held this post in that order. Currently the post is held by Hon. Johan Amaratunga(MP)

Mr. Sirinal De Mel is the General Secretary of JSS. He has been functioning in this post, since 1981. Mr. Tudor A.Keerthinanda was the first General Secretary. After him, the post was held by Messers A.D.W.Jayawardene, Mr.P.Sumathirathne, Mr.E.A.J.Amarasekara, Mr.S.A.G.Yapa and Mr.K.D. Mendis, in that order. Mr. W.A.M.Silva was the first Treasurer followed by Mr. E.L.P.Mendis and Mr. Nimal Samarakkody, and Mr. Padmasiri Ranawakaarachchi. The present incumbent is Mr. D.A.G.Rajasekara .

The chief organizer is Mr. Suranga Naullage. Mr. S. Leslie Fernando and Mr. Palitha Athukorale were the past chief organizers.

Currently, the Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya is functioning with vigour and enthusiasm under the able guidance of and with the blessings of Hon. Ranil Wickramasinghe, Leader of the United National Party and the Leader of the Opposition.

The Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya during its 50 years of existence has a proud record of achievements, the benefits of which have flowed to the entire labour force in the country in general and to the JSS membership in particular.

The Head Office of JSS is located at 416, Kotte Road, Pitakotte, Sri Lanka. The key staff consists of;

• Mr. Sirinal De Mel , General Secretary who is also the chief Executive
  
  
• Mr. Basil De Silva, the Accountant
  
  
• Mr. U.G Piyasena, the Administrative Secretary

1. Mr. M.D.P.Sirinama
2. Mr. Y.M. Punchibanda
3. Mr. M.A.Dayarathne
4. Mr. M.K.Hemapala
5. Mr. H.Gurusinghe
6. Mr. W.A.Samarasinghe
7. Mr. Jeewarathne Wettasinghe
8. Mr. D.Hewage

Ms. M.Perera is the Coordinator of International Relations.