Vidane

rdf:langString Vidane

rdf:langString Native Headmen System was an integral part of the administration of the island of Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka) under the successive European colonial powers, namely the Portuguese Empire, the Dutch East India Company and the British Empire. Native headmen or leaders were appointed by the European colonial administrators to function as intermediates between the Europeans and the native populous. During different periods through this system these headmen functioned in military, policing, administrative and ceremonial capacities. They served as translators, revenue collectors and wielded quasi-judicial powers. Much of the system evolved and changed over time until some of the last vestiges of it were removed in the post-independent Ceylon. The vidane or vithanai was an influential post in the Native Headman System in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) during the colonial era. Appointed by the Government Aagent of the Province. 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