Arachchi
Arachchi (Sinhalese: ආරච්චි) was the post of village headmen in Ceylon. This was an influential post, the holder had much control over the populace of a village and had limited policing powers since he was responsible to keep the peace. Several Vidanes came under the supervision of an Arachchi. It has since been replaced with the post of Grama Niladhari in the 1970s.
The term of was also used to refer to a senior peon serving in government offices such as a Kachcheri or a District Court. It is no longer in use.
History
The post originated during the Dutch colonial rule of the coastal areas of Sri Lanka. After these areas were taken over by the British, they continued the Dutch administration system.
By the late nineteenth century, under the local administrative system and structure, the Government Agent of the district was appointing an Arachchi to administrate a village within his district. This became part of the Native Department of the British Government of Ceylon. Appointments were made to locals, usually from wealthy influential families who were considered loyal to the British Crown.
The post continued as part of the local administration even after the closure of the Native Department in 1930s and Ceylon gained its independence in 1948. In the 1970s the post was replaced with that of Grama Niladhari (village leader).
Ranks of the British Arachchies
British appointed Arachchies had several classes;[1]
- Arachchi of the Guard (titular) - awarded as an honor
- Arachchi - awarded as an honor
- Arachchi of the Atapattu - jurisdiction of a Peruwas (sub-division of a district) or a ward of municipality
- Vidane Arachchi - in charge of several villages
- Maha Vidane
- Val-Vidane Arachchi
See also
- Vidane Arachchi
- Vidane