 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (August 2013) |
| 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.
- ^ Knox, Robert (2004-12-13). An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon in the East Indies: Together with an Account of the Detaining in Captivity the Author and Divers other Englishmen Now Living There, and of the Author's Miraculous Escape. Asian Educational Services. ISBN 81-206-1846-7. OCLC 57236571. Archived from the original on 6 February 2020. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
- ^ Jayawickrama, Sarojini. An historical relation of the Island Ceylon (Thesis). The University of Hong Kong Libraries. doi:10.5353/th_b3123864 (inactive 1 November 2024).
{{cite thesis}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of November 2024 (link)