Arachchi (Sinhala: ආරච්චි) was a petty native headman in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) during the colonial era. Appointed by the Government Agent of the Province,[1][2] 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.[citation needed]
The term Arachchi was also used to refer to a supervisory peon serving in government offices such as a Kachcheri or a District Court. It is no longer in use.[3]