Native headmen of Ceylon

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Kandyan agricultural serfs

Regions with significant populations
Sri Lanka
Languages
Sinhala language, Tamil Language & English Language
Religion
Predominantly: Theravada Buddhism and Hindu , Islam, Catholic Minoroites
Related ethnic groups
South Asian ethnic groups - Sinhalese people Sri Lankan Tamils, Sri Lankan Moors, Sri Lankan Malays and Burgher People

The 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 populace. During different periods through this system these headmen functioned in military, policing, administrative and ceremonial capacities. They served as translators and 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.