Vidane

The vidane was an influential post in the native headman system in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) during the colonial era. Appointed by the government agent. [1][2] The holder had much control over the people of the area and wielded quasi-judicial powers since he was responsible to keep the peace, carry out revenue collection and assist in judicial functions.

Appointments were non-transferable and usually hereditary, made to locals, usually from wealthy influential families loyal to the British Crown.

History

The post was in existence before the colonial rule of Sri Lanka (Ceylon). After the coastal areas were taken over by the (Portuguese, Dutch colonial rule and finally the British, they retained the post in their administrative systems.

During the British administration official appointments were made (both in up and low country) by the government agent of the district. Appointments were non-transferable and usually hereditary, made to locals, usually from wealthy influential families loyal the British Crown. This was an influential post, the holder had much control over the people of the area and had limited police powers since he was responsible to keep the peace, carry out revenue collection and assist in judicial functions. This became part of the Native Department of the British Government of Ceylon.

Several vidanes came under the supervision of an Arachchi. The post of vidane was replaced with the post of Grama Niladhari in the 1970s)

Following the formation of the State Council of Ceylon in 1931, one of its members, H. W. Amarasuriya, called for an inquiry into the headman system. A commission was formed made up of retired civil servants and lawyers headed by H.M. Wedderburn. The commission reported on reforming the headman system or replacing it with transferable district revenue officers. The headman system was abolished as an administrative system, with the titles of Mudaliyar (Mudali - මුදලි) and Muhandiram retained by government to be awarded as honors. This practice remained until suspension of Ceylonese honors in 1956. The minor headman positions where retained, surviving well into the 1970s when the post of vidane was replaced with the transferable post of Grama Niladhari (village officer).

Ranks and names of the British vidanes

Vidane - in charge of a village and under the supervision of the arachchi

S.W. Muhammdi Lebbe was the vidane in Ratnapura, Sabaragamuwa Province.

Police vidane - In charge of police duties in the Village and under the supervision of the vidane

K.P Endira was the police vidane in nittambuwa, Western Province
W.P Sodina was the police vidane in Kirindiwela, Gampaha District, Western Province
H.R. Kumaresene was the police vidane in avissawella Colombo District, Western Province
J.W. Weerakkodie was the police vidane in Kelaniya,western province
D.W. Darmeseana was the police vidane in Anuradhapura District North Central Province
Vel vidane - In charge of distributing water from the wewa (tank) to villagers for cultivation and under the supervision of the vidane

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References and external links

Twentieth Century Impressions of Ceylon
A vignette of British Justice in Colonial Ceylon
The Mudaliyars Explained
Our Man in Cochin
"Village notables in colonial Ceylon - The Village Headman was the uncrowned king of the village. He was appointed by the Government Agent from a traditional leading family in the area, in order to ensure that he received customary respect from villagers".

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[1] Definition of vidane, vidane arachchi and vidane muhandiram as per Sinhala English Dictionary

[2] Twentieth Century Impressions of Ceylon