Grama Niladhari
A Grama Niladhari (Village leader) is a Sri Lankan public official appointed by the central government to carryout administrative duties in a grama niladhari division, which is a subunit of a divisional secretariat. The duties of a grama niladharis includes the reporting of issuing of permits, gathering statistics, maintaining the voter registry and keeping the peace by settlement of personal disputes. They are responsible to keep track of criminal activity in their area and issue character certificates on behalf of residents when requested by them.
According to the "Mahawansa"(A book which contains all historical descriptions of Sri Lanka)the position of Grama Niladhari has been established when villages were established and the name of that position was only changed timely.
we can find out it as follows.
"Gaamari" -> "Dakapathi" -> "Bhojakyathikaara" -> "Paruaka" -> "Gaapini" -> "Gatika" -> "Grama Bhojaka" -> "Gaamini" -> "Gam Ladhdha" -> "Gamraala" -> "Gamaraala" -> "Raala" -> "Aarachchiraala" -> "Aarachchila" -> "Gammuladeani" -> "Grama Sevaka/Raalahamy" -> "Grama Seva Niladhari" -> "Grama Niladhari"
The post is one was created in the 1970s replacing the post of Village Headmen (Arachi) that was created by the British during the colonial era.