Sunday, April 24, 2022

The SL Minorities

  

Minorities in Sri Lanka





 

The Ceylon Moors

 


Abdul Majid Muhammed Abdul Cader (1888-1949) was the founder of two well-known business establishments in the Pettah, within the city of Colombo as follows:- AMM Abdul Cader & Sons, West End Drapery Stores

His sons are Mansoor Abdul Cader and Muhammad Fuard`Abdul Cader.

Mansoor Abdul Cader has two sons and one daughter. The oldest, Muhammad Farid Abdul Cader married Mehfuza Ariff, who passed away in 2008. The second son, Abdul Majeed Abdul Cader married Ilham Mohamed. The daughter, Ummu Habeeba Abdul Cader married Mohamed Jazeed Ariff, brother of Mehfuza Ariff, and son of AJM Ariff.

 

MAS ABDUL CADER

Successfully ran a textile establishment. Along with this business he managed to open a Receiving Post Office with the permission of the Postal Department. Since then he had been known and called as

"Post Master". After much persuasion and show of interest he made the Postal Dept to upgrade the Receiving Office to the status of "B" Grade Sub Post Office which was ceremonially declared open by Hon. Sir John Kotalawala at Akurana town in 1940's. Thus M.A.S. Abdul Cader became the first Sub Post Master of Akurana. Subsequently this Sub Post Office was upgraded to the "B" level and then to "A" Grade Sub Post Office. He saw to it that telephone facilities were provided to this Sub Post Office around 1952. The people of Akurana as well as those of the surrounding areas appreciated his services as the Sub Post Master. He was always helpful to the poor, the needy and the sick. 


 

Mohamed Careem of Jaffna, father of MC Abdul Cader, was engaged in business and was very orthodox in his outlook and views. He feared that western education would mitigate an Islamic way of life. His wife, however, held a contrary view and thus helped young Abdul Cader to receive his early education at the New Chetty Street High School, in Jaffna.

Noting his brilliance in his studies at the school his teachers strongly urged the young man to continue his higher studies. Having performed excellently at the Matriculation of the Madras Presidency Examination held in Ceylon, he won a scholarship for admission to the University.

After graduating from the Presidency College in Madras he returned to Ceylon and taught mathematics at his “alma mater” for a short period. Law attracted him and he passed out as an Advocate of the Supreme Court of the Island of Ceylon. He took his oaths before the Supreme Court Judges on October 7, 1904, clad in his western best, resplendent with his red Fez on his head.

He held a double distinction of being the first Ceylon Moor graduate and Advocate. They Ceylon Moors were then known as “Mohammedans” by the Colonial regime of the time.



Noordeen Hajiar Abdul Caffoor Hajiar (NDH Abdul Caffoor) The Arabs who settled in the maritime coast, particularly in Beruwela, had expert knowledge of gems and precious stones. They penetrated into the gemming centers and did considerable mining for these precious stones. The ancestors of Abdul Caffoor started gemming in this area. They took their stones to Colombo where the Arab navigators bought Ceylon produce in the warehouses of the "Yons" or "Yonakas", later known as "Moors".

Abdul Caffoor started his gems and jewellery business at Bristol Hotel building in 1894. He had special permission to board the ships that called at the Colombo harbour and sell his gems and jewellery to the sailors. By special command, Abdul Caffoor was allowed the privilege of exhibiting pearls, diamonds, rubies and sapphires and art works to the Prince and Princess of Wales at the Kandy Pavilion, during their Royal visit in 1901. His stall was given a prominent place at the Wembley Exhibition in 1924  and Her Majesty Queen Mary personally visited his pavilion and made purchases. It was by sheer merit that he achieved success.

 


Noordeen Hajiar Muhammad Abdul Cader

born in 10-Feb-1879, d:29-Aug-1938 (NHM Abdul Cader) was the younger brother of Noordeen Hajiar Abdul Caffoor. He was educated at Wesley College. He continued his studies and qualified as a Proctor & Notary Public in 1907.

Abdul Cader led a full life. He was one of the leading proctors of the day and represented the Muslims in the Legislative Council for fifteen years. He was Senior Municipal Councillor at the time of his death.

Merchant, Reformer, Legislator, Leader


 

Abdul Rahman began life as a businessman, both in the Colombo Fort as a mercer of silk and soft goods in Pettah, and as a purveyor of groceries for homes. He had a large clientele, mainly, because of his fair dealing in business. His head was erect because his honour was perfectly above board at all times. He owned shipping vessels for the transportation of the goods that he imported. SS "Rahmaniya" was a vessel named after him. The more he earned the more he distributed to deserving cases and laudable causes. That was Abdul Rahman, the Merchant.

The “White Horse” building at Chatham Street, Fort, in Colombo was the head office of his business empire. He had a distribution center at Pettah, in Colombo, and a warehouse complex at Slave island, also in Colombo. The British firm of darley Butler & Company acted as one of his agents in those times.

ABU - the late Mohamed Salim Aboobakr, former Deputy Mayor of Colombo in 1950 will be remembered with love and gratitude this week for the great services he rendered to the people and to the country.

M. S. Aboobakr first entered politics in the year 1936 as a pioneer member of the Lanka Samasamaja party. He belongs to the first generation of the left leaders of Sri Lanka along with such stalvarts of the calibre of Phillip and Robert Gunawardena, Dr. N. M. Perera, Dr. Colvin R. de Silva, Dr. S. A. Wickramasinghe, Bernard Soysa, M. G. Mendis and Pieter Keuneman.

Vaidiyatilleka Rajakaruna Rajavaidiya Gopala Mudaliyar family of Uda Rata were also popularly known and called as Behethge Mudiyanselage Odayar Nilame of the Kandyan Provinces.

Vaidiyatilleka Rajakaruna Haji Muhandiram Sheikh Muhammad Odayar, a Unani Physician by profession, is a descendant of the pioneer Moorish Royal Physicians who came to Ceylon as early as the fourteenth century. He descends from some of the distinguished men who adorned the public services of the Island from the timeof the ancient Sinhalese Kings dating from the reign of Sri Sangabo and Sri Parakrama Bahu. Reference to this family is made on page 99 of the Getaberiya Sannasa of Antiquarian Research in Kegalle.

 

Periya Mudali Maraikar of Beruwela

The following extract from an old copper “Sannas” given by a Sinhalese King in AD 1010 to Periya Mudali Maraikar of Beruwela:-

 

“……….. and Great King being glad and in return for anchoring ships at Beruwela; sending them to other countries and improving the village …… As long as the son’s and grandsons’ children descending from Periya Mudali Maraikar live, they are not to perform ‘Rajakariya’ (ie service of carrying Palanquins for the government) or to pay money tax. His respectability and dignity are to be maintained always undiminished. On their application they are to build Mosques for the performances of their religious duties and they are to be taken care of and any land that they apply for is to be granted to them. He is allowed to carry on trade in any part of the island by shipping cargo……”

 

This was granted by the King on an application made by the Moor trader and according to historical evidence the application referred to was known as “Sampotha Pathiram”

Culled from “Sailan” Vol 2 No 1, June 1955

 

Basthamiyar Lebbe Maesthiriyar Meera Lebbe Maesthiriyar

Basthamiyar Lebbe Maesthiriyar Meera Lebbe Maesthiriyar, the Chief of the Moors, left a son, Ahmed Lebbe in charge of the Maradana Mosque in 1760. In 1799 there were 7,500 able bodied Moors who were taxed (“Sonaka” page 91) in lieue of personal service to the State. Ahmed Lebbe’s ancestors landed in Ceylon in 1016 and the rulers recognizing their services to the country gave them the following charter –

“Periya Mudaliyar Marikar and his descendants are hereby exempted from punishment of either imprisonment or death and His Majesty being highly pleased with their services to his government they shall be so honored and esteemed. Further, the Government shall, at all times, protect them from all troubles and difficulties. They shall be free to follow their own religion and build mosques and seek places of worship on any land they choose. It shall be allowed them to also build ships and trade thereby with other countries.”

 

(sgd) Bukman

(Raja Weera Bukman)

 

Meera Lebbe Maestriar Sheikh Abdul Cader Marikar (Shekadie Marikar)

Meera Lebbe Maestriar Sekadie Marikar, known as the "Moorish Doctor", was a reputed physician who was appointed physician to the Cinammon Peeler’s Guards (Chaliah Commanders) and the Moor Regiments which served under the Dutch at Colombo. He was appointed Native Superintendent of the Medical Department under the control of the Supreme Court by the British in 1806. He also was a signatory to the special laws concerning "Maurs" or Muhammadans (Muslims) dated August 1, 1806, prepared on the orders of Governor Lord North. He was appointed arbitrator and President of the Moorish Community in 1823 and died on February 25, 1840.

 

Oduma Lebbe Marikar Sheikh Abdul Cader Marikar (Shekhadi Marikar)

During the closing stages of the Dutch regime in Ceylon, a leading Ceylon Moor family lived in that block of land where house premises Nos 263, 265, & 269 and the tenement garden No 263, on Dam Street, Hultsdorf, in Colombo 12, are today situated. Dam Street, as its name denotes, is reclaimed land from the swamps. The tenement garden is known as "Thannikarai Thottam" meaning "water shore garden". The descent of this family begins from the 16th line of Prince Jamaldeen, an Arab from Konya in Turkey, who arrived in Ceylon in 1016. This block of land belonged to, and was occupied by, Mahudoom Kandu Marikar, nicknamed "Mapulay" (bridegroom) for his handsome personality. His son was Oduma Lebbe Marikar (d:1800 and buried at the Maradana Mosque Grounds). He had two sons, Mohammed Haniffa Marikar, nicknamed "Kodipotta Marikar (Marikar whio flew the Flag), of whom little is known, and Sheikh Abdul cader Marikar, known as Shekadi Marikar, born during the last quarter of the 18th century.

Oduma Lebbe Marikar Sheikh Abdul Cader Marikar, popularly known as Shekhadi Marikar, was appointed a sectional head of the Moor Community, on June 16, 1818, by His Excellency Sir Robert Brownigg, Governor of Ceylon (Vide Appendix II(b)). In 1825, another Governor, Sir Edward Barnes, appointed him as a Notary Public for attesting deeds of Muslim females.

Shekhadi Marikar was born in the year 1772 and died in 1847.

 

Cassim Lebbe Marikar (Casie Lebbe Marikar Mudaliyar)

Cassim Lebbe Marikar, born on December 5, 1805, was the eldest son of Othman Lebbe Marikar Shekadi Marikar. By his first marriage, with the daughter of Ossen Lebbe in the Cappodiar family, he had two children who died in infancy. After the death of his spouse, he married Mohiyadeen Candu Natchiya alias Mathunga Natchiya, daughter of Sultan Candu Yousoof Lebbe of Colombo, on May 28, 1842. She died on May 26, 1900 at No. 263 Dam Street, Colombo.

 

Cassim Lebbe Marikar Ahmed Ali Marikar

C L M Ahmed Ali

 

CLM Ahmed Ali Marikar is descended from the Kappodear family. He was married to Khadeeja Umma Abdul Cader, daughter of ACSML Abdul Cader and Hany Umma Sulaiman Lebbe. They had two daughters named Haleema Umma and Safiya Umma. Haleema, who was married to Ismail Lebbe Effendi, was the mother of Muhammad Sameer and Muhammad Anis bin Haji Ismail Effendi.

 

 

Idroos Lebbe Marikar Abdul Azeez (ILM Abdul Azeez)

 

 

Idroos Lebbe Marikar Abdul Azeez 1867-1915

Born:27-Oct-1867. Secondary education at Government Boys’ School, Pettah, Colombo 11, El Jamiathul Islamiyyah, 1888. Assistant Manager Zahira College, Maradana. President, Moors’ Association. Trustee Maradana Mosque 1903. Editor, Muslim Guardian, 1900. Commence newspaper Al-Muslim in 1907. Organized many meetings to fight the Fez question in 1905 where, finaly, Muslims were allowed to wear their headgear inside court. Secretary, Fez Committee. Died:29-Apr-1990

Idroos Lebbe Marikar Abdul Azeez, grandson of Oduma Lebbe Marikar Sekadi Marikar, came from a very distinguished family of Moors in Colombo. He was a sectional Chief Head of the Moors. His father was Idroos Lebbe Marikar, a shroff in the goverment departments. In view of the confidence he received, the Government vested the Muhammadan burial grounds at Kuppiyawatte to ILM Abdul Azeez, appointing him as one of the three Trustees in 1879.

 

Mr. M. S. Alif, attorney at Law, retired Cabinet Secretary passed away in Colombo at the age of 80. Mr. Alif who held the dual post of Cabinet Secretary and Director General of Cabinet Affairs under the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Government of 1970 to 1977 played a key role in the formation and functioning of the United Front Government.

 

Together with the late Mr. T. B. Ilangaratne, Mr. Alif who enjoyed the confidence of both Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike and the leaders of the LSSP and CP, played a big role in helping the United Front to function together despite the vicissitudes of coalition politics.

Sir ABDUL WM AMEER

Sir Abdul WM Ameer represented Dominican Republic as a Honorary Consul general for forty three years. He was the longest serving Honorary Consul General in Sri Lanka, possibly in Asia. He maintained a good rapport among diplomats and Consuls in our country and was the dean of the Honorary Consular Corp. He strove very much to promote understanding and friendship between Sri Lanka and Dominican Republic. He was ever prepared to help students and other persons who were in need of information about the country. He was a senior member of the all Ceylon Moors' Association founded by Sir Razik Fareed. He served as a vice president of the Moor Islamic Cultural Home until the time of his demise.

ASSEN ALIYAR MUHAMMAD NAGOOR MEERA

Assen Ali Muhammad Nagoor Meera, the indefatigable "Nuwara Mudalali" and his brother, Assen Ali Muhammad Merra Lebbe, affectionately known as "Meeyanna Mudalali", were two enterpreanours who made a determined effort in successfully entering the closed and well-protected citadel of trade in Colombo wherein the British had firmly entrenched themselves.

Nagoor Meera and Meera Lebbe were born at Kongaraya Kurichchi, a predominantly Muslim hamlet close to the Mofussil township of Eral in the Tirunelvely District at the Southern tip of Tamil Nadu in South India. Many were the Muslims of South India who came to ceylon in pursuit of trade as well as for the purpose of imparting the Arabic language and also spreading Islam. Meera Lebbe was barely 14 years old and Nagoor Meera a few years younger when they first arrived in Ceylon around the second half of the 19th. Century. Their father, Assen Ali, had already settled down in the central hills of Ceylon several years back and was successful trading in household goods and merchandise. He is believed to have spent most of his time in a place called Kithulgala and had eventually died there.

 

Dr. A.M.A. Azeez : An intellectual leader of eminence

by A. Mohamed  Nahiya - Daily News Tue Dec 10 2002

This great leader of the Muslim community Aboobucker Mohamed Abdul Azeez hailed from a very respectable family in Jaffna. He was born on 4th October 1911 and passed away on 24th November 1973.

During this period he had contributed tremendously to the nation in general and his community in particular. A.M.A. Azeez was one who was an all-round intellectual - may it be Education, Religion, Language, Literature, History or Sociology. He followed the footsteps of late leader and the father of Muslim Education, Proctor M.C. Siddilebbe, Egyptian exile OrabiPasha, I.L.M. Abdul Azeez philanthropist Wapichchi Marikkar and Dr. T.B. Jayah and did yeomen service specifically in the field of education for the children of the Muslim community.

 

Badi-ud-din Mahmud

Badi-ud-din Mahmud was born in Matara, a town in the south of Sri Lanka. He was born into one of the most distinguished Sri Lankan Moor families of that time as the youngest of twelve siblings.

His father was S.L.M. Mahmud Naina Marikkar Mathicham, better known as Matara Mahatmaya, who was an affluent planter and landed proprietor; Badi-ud-din Mahmud's mother was Fathima Natchiya.

Mahmud was educated in his childhood at St. Thomas' College, and Wesley College, Colombo. He completed his higher education at Zahira College, Colombo, with the completion of his Cambridge Senior Examination. At Zahira College, he took interest in literature, tennis, and athletics.

Al Haj M A BAKEER MARKAR

Sons and daughters of Sri Lanka - Bakeer Markar

Sunday Observer Sep 7 2003

Seventh Death Anniversary : Al-Haj Bakeer Markar strove for national harmony

Late Al-Haj Bakeer Markar was born on 12th May 1917 at Hakeem Villa in Beruwala. He received his early education at St. Sebastian Vidyalaya in Colombo and joined Zahira College, Maradana. He later entered Law College and passed out as a proctor.

His multi-faceted life placed him in various positions as a teacher, lawyer, politician and above all as the Speaker of Parliament and Governor of the Southern Province. These high positions helped him a great deal to serve the masses.

Maradana Zahira College and its Principal late T. B. Jayah provided the necessary background and guidance to Bakeer Markar's public career.

I A CADER

The Sunday Leader Sep 7 2008

Appreciation - I.A. Cader

My Dad, a man for all seasons

My father the late I.A.Cader was a man for all seasons. Twenty nine years after his demise his memory stands vivid in our minds. A product of Mahinda College, Galle and St. Peter’s College, Colombo, Dad hailed from Talapitiya, Galle and was born on January 5, 1917

A lawyer by profession, he later took to politics and indulged in the gem trade too. He was a Member of Parliament for Beruwela, Deputy Speaker and Senator as well. Retiring from politics in 1977 he was assigned a diplomatic posting as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Egypt.

SITHY CADER The Sunday Leader Aug 24  2008

Appreciation - Sithy Cader

Innalillahi Waina Elaihe Rajioon (From Him do we coe and unto Him we return)

Sithy Cader a great social worker, strict disciplinarian and an able administrator suddenly passed away from our midst on August 1 like a banyan tree that was uprooted by a cyclone. 

She was a founder member of the Young Muslim Women's League which was inaugurated in June 1973 consisting of 20 young pioneering ladies for the upliftment of the less privileged in our society and for community development. 

She was the first President from 1973 - 1975.  This was her  stepping stone to serve humanity and opened the floodgates for her to enter other social organisations to render yeomen service.  She held various important positions in the league until her sudden demise. 

 

MUHAMMAD CASSIM

Seyadu Abdul Raheem 1921-1989

Seyadu Abdul Raheem

Born: 09-Aug-1921 at Mannar

Educated at St. Xaviers’ College, Mannar, Jaffna Central, Jaffna College, Jaffna. Entered politics in 1960.

Chairman Mannar TC 1962-1972.

Contested Mannar as a UNP candidate and lost in 1970.

Won by-election in Feb-1974.

Sri Lanka Chairman Paddy Marketing Board.

Director, Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation.

Member UNP Working Committee.

Died: 1989

 

To those great days of thrills and spills - Zacky Deen

I was shocked and saddened to learn of the untimely death of my good friend Zacky, who was residing in Oklahoma U.S.A, a month ago.

We both started motorcycling (racing) together at the Ratmalana air strip. Katukurunda came much later on. His brother Rally who was in England came to Sri Lanka a little later on and the three of us raced together.

In those days, the Saturday morning papers carried the head line in the Sports page: Dean
Brothers and Chandra de Costa to do battle once again.

Those days the circuit was full of spectators, nothing less than 40,000.

I am proud to mention here that Zacky was a great rider and the riders who were selected as the very first team to India in 1956 comprised Zacky Dean, W.D.P. Indraratne, Trim Seneviratne, A.A. Jinadasa and myself. These riders were selected purely on merit and they were managed by the late Andrew P. Mirando often considered the "Father" of the CMCC.

Fathima YASMIN FAIZ (nee) ANVER

Deputy Editor Hansard (English)

 

Yasmin is the daughter of “KG” Anver and Sithy Huzaima, a well connected Sri Lanka Moor family.

 

She joined the Press Council as a young typist at the age of 20.  She later became stenographer at the Press Council and later Assistant Secretary. 

 

After serving the Press Council for 22 years, she joined the Parliament as a Hansard Reporter.  Her rise in the Parliamentary service was meteoric.  She was appointed Assistant Editor within a period of five years and then as Deputy Editor, Hansard (English).

 

This post is on par with the Deputy Director (Administration) and Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms.

 

In July2008 she represented Parliament at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Hansard Editors’ Conference in London and Scotland.

 

Held the prestigious position of General Manager of the Colonial enterprise, Walker Sons & Company Ltd. Ventured into the hospitality industry, together with his brother, A C M Thassim, in establishing the Confifi Group of Hotels, in Moragolla in Beruwela,  a prime beach location on the south western coastline of Sri Lanka.

 

Confif Beach Hotel opened its business in 1970. The Group now owns and manages three popular beach holiday resorts, in the same locality, catering to a wide range of tourists and holday makers.

 

The 5-Star Eden Resort and Spa haqs 158 elegantky furnished rooms, suites and penthouses, indoor and outdoor dining and an elegant spa. Riverina Hotel, a 4-Star outlet, is very popular with families on account of ts spacious and lush green gardens.

 

Club Palm Garden is a 3-Star hotel that offers 136 rooms. Confifi Water Sports Center offers a wide range of water sports, diving, game fishing and ocean activities for he tourist.

 

BOHRAS

One of the oldest exporters of tea, rubber and coconut, in Sri Lanka, as been Adamjee Lukmanjee & Sons Ltd. In 1860's, Mr Adamjee Lukmanjee came to Ceylon from India and established for spices, sugar and pulses in the Pettah. The company moved to Grandpass in 1907 which was concurrent with the expansion of the business into the plantation sector, thus becoming a grower, processor, and exporter of Sri Lanka's three main agricultural crops. The bsiness comprised of warehouses and the Mohamedia Oil Mill for extracting oil from Copra and other seeds. In 1936 they were instrumental in founding the "Sucharitha" Foundation. In 1953, the company was converted into a Limited Liability and added new oil expellers and a steel drum manufacturing plant. Despite nationalization of its properties in the 1970's, in the 1980's they expanded and diversified further.

The history as Adamjee Lukmanjee and Sons Ltd can be traced back to the mid 19th century when the founder, Adamjee Lukmanjee set sail on a pioneering voyage from the Gulf of Kutch (Gujarat, India) into an unknown future in Ceylon (Sri Lanka).

From humble beginnings and with implicit faith, he strove to create a foothold in a trading business in the Pettah, the country's main wholesale market for Spices, Sugar and Pulses. Upon founding a flourishing sole proprietorship, Adamjee Lukmanjee relocated to our present premises in Grandpass in 1907, and became a pioneering Coconut Oil manufacturer in the country. A notable achievement for the company can be traced back to 1934 when we won the award for the Country’s “Best Manufacturer of Coconut Oil and Poonac” award.


After establishing the company in manufacturing and trading, prudent investments in property and plantations were made to enhance the business. 3 large plantations in Coconut, 1 in Tea and 1 in Rubber saw over 800 Hectares of land under the management of Adamjees. 1953 saw the incorporation of the Company and the subsequent installation of new Oil Expellers and a Steel Drum Manufacturing Plant.


With sustained efforts over the years, we asserted ourselves in the trade both here and overseas, the mainstay of our business being the export of Sri Lanka’s major Agro-Produce – Tea, Rubber and Coconut.

The Hebtulabhoy Family

In 1864 Shaikh Hebtulabhoy, the first member of the family to arrive in Ceylon, founded a business in the Pettah within the business hub of Colombo. The Dawoodi Bohra Community in Sri Lanka is primarily a business community that eschews politics and is totally devoted to the pursuit of local and international commerce and trade. The organization and the family have achieved popular recognition and honor as an elite of the community in Sri Lanka over the years in keeping with the high standards set by Shaikh Hebtulabhoy.

The family business began as importers of food, in the year circa 1882, and developed into a large conglomerate consisting of M S Hebtulabhoy & Company Limited and several other subsidiary companies.

The Hebtulabhoy's have been trading in Ceylon for well over 125 years (in the year 2007) since Shaikh Hebtlabhoy arrived from Kutch Mandivi in India. He set up his enterprise was situated at Nos 145 & 147, Fourth Cross Street, in the Pettah. Having purchased the property on Sep 9, 1887, the family still own it, clinging on to it and cherishing its precious memories and beginnings. The ground floor consisted the office and shop while the upper floor was used by Shaikh Hebtulabhoiy and his family as their residence.  Most of his sons and some of his grandsons have spent the best part of their lives living in these premises since the inception of their life in Ceylon.

Shaikh Hebtulabhoy also extended the boundaries of his trade to the Maldive Islands and Calcutta in India. His business in the Maldives was conducted under the trade name of "Moosbhai Mohamedally & Company" and the one in Calcutta was named, "Moosbhai Shaikh Hebtulabhoy". He also ventured into shipping and purchased two vessels, "Ganga Hussain" and "Ganga Alimadad", which carried goods regularly between Colombo and the Maldives. He later added another vessel, "Daria Dowlat" to his fleet.

Shaikh Hebtulabhoy also invested in real estate and acquired valuable property in Ceylon and India. Ironically, the only property that he owned which is still possessed by his successors is the one at Fourth Cross Street in the Pettah where the family business was founded.

His eldest son  Moosbhai was entrusted the management of his business in Ceylon and India, towards the latter stage of his lifetime. His younger son, Mohamedally was assisted Moosbhai in running the business. The company in the Maldive Islands was assigned to an agent.

Shaikh Hebtulabhoy passed away on July 12 1897 in, his native land, India. He was survived by his wife, Sakinabhai, four daughters, Kulsumbhai, Fatemabhai, Kathijabhai, and Amtulabhai, and four sons, Moosbhai, Mohamedally, Tyeabally, and Abdulhusein. As per the terms prescribed in his last will and testament the business was inherited by the four sons in equal shares. Moosbhai was 33 years old and Mohamedally was only 17 and they were both married. The two younger boys Tyeabally and Abdulhusein were still minors aged 9 and 5 years.

ALIBHOY

Mohamedbhoy Alibhoy, arrived in Ceylon from India in 1870, estabvlished a company called E G Adamaly & Sons

Hasanally Esufally MBE, built a mansion called "Mohamed Manzil" in Bambalapitiya where he lived with his family in 1962, established Hemas Drugs of Companies in 1948. Diversified into manufacturing toiletries in 1962 and travel & tourism in 1970. Consumer goods industry in 1980's and 90's. Renamed to Hemas Holdings in 2003. Now a public company in the Colombo Stock Exchange.

Hemas Holdings

Directors: Hussein Esufally, Abbas Esufally, Imthiaz Esufally, Murtaza Esufally.

Areas of Business: Fast moving consumer goods, healthcare, leisure and tourism, transportation and power generation.

Companies: Hemas Holdings Ltd., Holding Company, Hemas Marketing (Pte) Ltd., Hemas Manufacturing (Pte) Ltd., Hemas Pharmaceuticals (Pte) Ltd., Hemas Hospitals (Pte) Ltd., Hemas Travels (pte) Ltd., Hemas International Freight (Pte) Ltd., Hemas Air Services (Pte) Ltd., Hemas Aviation (Pte) Ltd., ACX International (Pte) Ltd., Hemtours (Pte) Ltd., Serendib Leisure (Pte) Ltd., Hemas Development (Pte) Ltd., Heladhanavi (Pte) Ltd.

MALAYS

MAAS THALEP AKBAR, KC 1880-1994

Born: 15-Jun-1880. at Slave Island, Colombo 2.

Educated at Royal College, Colombo 7.

Won a scholarship to University of Cambridge, 1897. BA LLB.

Called to the bar Grey’s Inn in 1904.

Returned to Ceylon in 1905.

Private Secretary to C.P. Layard, Chief Justice.

Lecturer and Examiner Ceylon Law College. Crown Counsel 1907. District Judge, Colombo 1918-1919. Soliciter General 6-Oct-1929. Retired 12-Nov-1936. Member, Legislative Council 7-May-1938. Executive Chairman University Committee, Peradeniya.

Established Hussainiya and Fatima Girls School. Donated land for Jawatta Mosque. First Muslim to adorn the Supreme Court and also to be raised to the status of Kings Council. Founder Ceylon Muslim Educational Society.

Died: 22-Apr-1944

M T Akbar played a prominent role in the educational and judicial life of the country. He was the son of MSJ Akbar, a wealthy coconut planter. He showed an exceptional talent as a student of Royal College and won several prizes and accolades during his studentship. He obtained a first class division pass at the London Matriculation and won the coveted scholarship to Cambridge University in 1897 where he did the Mechanical Science Tripos to qualify as an engineer. However, he subsequently switched over to law and was called to the bar at Gray's Inn.

Dr. ABDUL RASHEED DEANE

A fond tribute to a dedicated patron "Padang Complex"

by Fazeer Radin (Rawdin) - Daily News Tue Dec 9 2003

Thaha Mohamed, president of Sri Lanka Malay Association (SLMA) advised that we reminisces Dr. Abdul Rasheed Deane's fond memory in the media, whilst his portrait is displayed at the Colombo Malay Cricket (CMCC) on Friday 12th November 03.

I feel it is a privilege to cover the good deeds of an amiable and distinguished personality and pay due tribute to him for his dedication and sacrifice towards the CMCC and the SLMA Rupee Fund.

Dr. Deane was born on 23rd February 1918 and passed away at the age of 85 on 21st July 2003. The epithet quieted in Arabic "Inca Illah, We Inna Illah Rajioon" meaning that from him that we came and into him we return did not have its desired effect to overcome the grief of the mourners, whilst an elderly educated person was attempting to console the dear ones by explaining "a man is a thing of nought born but to die" and therefore it is indeed a matter of time for all of us to traverse to the very same destiny of the deceased sooner or later was also of no avail.

Al Haj Dr M P DRAHAMAN MP, JP, MBE

 

The year 2003 marks the 40th Death Anniversary of Veteran Al Haj Dr Mohammed Pervis Drahaman, recognised as one of Sri Lanka’s National Heros and a key supporter of the Malays in their early struggle to gain official recognition, identity, status and representation in Parliament.

 

In 1928, the late Dr Drahaman was among the few Malays in Sri Lanka who became a Doctor of Medicine and entered Government service and served with dedication and distinction at many Government Hospitals before he set up private practice in"Kertel” (now Kompaneevidya) to serve his community and to devote much of his time to the welfare and well being of the Malay Community.  The Medical Clinic, Surgery and Dispensary, were opened in"Kertel".  A quote states "Spurning lucrative private practice amongst the elite, Dr Drahaman set up a Clinic in the heart of (then) Malay populated Slave Island area and began championing many of their causes."

 

The Burghers of Ceylon/Sri Lanka- Reminiscences and Anecdotes

Remembered Yesterdays

by J. Godwin Perera ISLAND Fri July 30 2021

 

“The Burghers were a riotous lot With song and dance and many a ‘shot’ Were drivers, guards in the Cee Gee Ar For higher jobs were below par”

 

This is only partly true. It was a small segment of Burghers who worked in the CGR and as they would have said ‘did a bloody, damn good job.’ But, there were Burghers and Burghers. Let’s give credit where credit is due. Higher in the social hierarchy were the Planters. Many, having been ruggerites in their colleges, it was an easy jump to the central hills where they were appointed as ‘Sinna Dorays’ (SDs) and later Periya Dorays (PDs) in the tea plantations. They had the endurance and intelligence to rule their kingdoms (‘Thottams’), very, very, successfully. Some ended up as CEOs in the head offices of the agency houses which managed the estates in which they worked.

 

There were other Burghers who adorned the pages of our nation’s history with outstanding contributions in areas ranging from the academic to sports. In what follows there may be errors and there will be omissions. For both a sincere apology is given.

 

On February 4, 1948, our Lion flag fluttered proudly in the freedom of newly won Independence. On July 31 of that year the Lion flag fluttered proudly at the London Olympic Stadium when Duncan White skimmed over the hurdles (400M) to claim the Silver medal. It was only 52 years later in 2000, at the Sydney Olympics, that our country won another medal – But that is another story. In fact it’s a story within a story. It was also at the London Olympics that Eddie Gray, the first head of the Ceylon Mounted Police, boxed in the Lightweight Class.

 

But Eddie Gray has to be remembered with a very sad incident four years later. Early morning on March 21, 1952 our first Prime Minister D. S. Senanayake suffered a stroke and fell off his horse while riding on Galle Face Green. Eddie Gray who was also riding on Galle Face Green, was quickly at the PM’s side. He took him to Central Hospital where the

‘Father of the Nation’ passed away on March 22.

 the academic field there are two names which will always be remembered by generations, past, present and future. The first was Edmund Blaze, founder of Kingswood College Kandy, which started as Boy’s High School in 1891 with just 11 pupils. It was Blaze who introduced rugby to schools. The first ever inter-school rugby match was between Kingswood and Trinity on August 11, 1906. Fittingly it ended in a six- all draw. Kingswood was also the first school to introduce rowing. On the Kandy lake? And one of the first to have a cadet platoon.

 

The second name is that of Prof. E.O.E. Pereira. He was the Founder Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Ceylon and quite appropriately referred to as the ‘Father of Modern Engineering Education in Sri Lanka’. He was later appointed Vice- Chancellor of the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya. It was Prof E.O.E. who was responsible for moving the Faculty of Engineering from its cramped space in Colombo to a more spacious and salubrious place within the Peradeniya Campus.

 

Think of authors. Think of Carl Muller. Dismissed from three schools, he ended up at Royal College, barely avoiding dismissal. In later life he blossomed to become a prolific and award winning author. His writings were exuberant, witty, sarcastic with a prominent vein of sexuality. He was best known for his trilogy – Jam Fruit Tree, Yakada Yakka and Once Upon a Tender Time. The first was published by Penguin Books and won for him the Gratiaen Memorial Prize in 1993.The State bestowed on him the title ‘Kala Keerthi’.

                                 

More famous is the Sri Lankan born, Canadian domiciled, multiple award winning, editor, essayist, novelist and filmmaker, Michael Ondaatje. His best known work ‘the English Patient,(1992)’ won him the prestigious Booker Prize. It was out of this prize money that Michael Ondaatje founded the Gratiaen Trust named after his mother Doris Gratiaen and from this Trust came into being the Annual Gratiaen Award for the best English literary work written by a resident Sri Lankan. And now the curtain rises for that vivacious, attractive, actress, Jacqueline Fernandez, much in demand in Bollywood. She together with another Burgher- Alston Koch starred in the controversial movie ‘According to Matthew’ which was based on the life story of an Anglican priest (his first name was Matthew) who was convicted of murder. Army Commander from November 1966 to September 1967 was Major General B. R. Heyn. He represented Ceylon in cricket and can best be remembered for the One-Day match against the Australians. Sons Richard and David also played for St Peters’ College and club cricket.

 

The scoreboard read Donald Bradman caught R. L.. de Kretser bowled B. R. Heyn – 20 runs. A perfect Burgher combination ! Col. F. C. de Saram was the doyen of cricket both as player and coach. Playing for Oxford University he scored 128 against the

 

Australians of which 96 came in boundaries. He captained the Ceylon team from 1949 to 1954. But alas! Like another all time cricketing great, better known as ‘Satha’ ‘FC’ too had a spell in the Welikada jail. This was because he led a coup in 1962. He and his co-conspirators were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. But on appeal to the Privy Council the sentence was overruled. ‘FC’ will be always remembered for cricket. Not the coup. On the subject of cricket mention must be made of another record. The Reid brothers who played for St. Thomas’s College in the 1960s. There were five of them – Claude, Ronnie, Buddie, Barney and Johaan.

 

Commissioner General of Prisons – C. T. (Cutty ) Jansz was Deputy Commissioner General when the notorious massacre of Tamil political prisoners took place in Welikade on July 1983. He valiantly tried, but could not prevent it. Many years later after retirement as Commissioner General in an interview about execution of prisoners sentenced to death, he stated about the ‘gut wrenching’ experience of having to witness a prisoner being hanged. ‘The whole prison mourns. It becomes a funeral house.’ Moving on to Doctors. There was Dr P. D. Anthonisz the first Ceylonese to obtain both the MRCP and FRCS qualifications. As a member of the Legislative Council he was mainly responsible for the construction of the railway line from Colombo to Matara. The land-mark clock tower in Galle Fort was erected in his memory by a grateful public. Then there was Dr Noel Bartholomeusz who very graciously gifted his Colombo 07 residence to the College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka. In the late 1960s Dr Noel became a surgeon by day and a patient by night. He had to undergo a dialysis procedure for 12 hours, three days a week in his home. This was done by his wife Nora. Next we come to Dr R .L. Spittel – often misspelt as Spittle. He can best be described as a city surgeon, jungle doctor and author. His knowledge of the of the Veddha community about whom he wrote, is unrivalled to this day. Wycherley International School along Bauddhaloka Mawatha was originally Wycherley Nursing home in which Dr R. L. Spittel had his practice. Justices of the Supreme Court – In the post-independence era alone there were six of them. But let’s refer to two. Oswald Leslie de Kretser III has another claim to fame. A species of fish- the mulpulutta kretseri was named after him. The other is Noel Gratien. It was due to his inspiration that the Warden of St Thomas’s – Cannon R. S. de Saram introduced Rugger into the sports curriculum.

 

Photographers- Dedicated to wild-life photography, Eric Swan while on a photographic safari in Thamankaduwa in the Polonnaruwa district observed a single elephant detached from the herd.

 

The elephant turned and curled its trunk. Eric Swan clicked. It was his last photograph. It was the last moment of his life.

 

The elephant charged killing him on the spot. But let’s not end on a melancholy note. Let’s consider the tasty, savoury, Burgher contribution to our cuisine.

There’s Lamprais, and Rich Cake also called Christmas Cake, and Love Cake and Patties and Frickadel (meat balls, similar to cutlets) and Breudher and Milk Wine and yes indeed there’s that delicious sweetmeat served during Sinhala Avuruddha called Kokkis. The Burghers alas ! have left our shores. There are more Burghers in Australia than in Sri Lanka. And yet we know that in every Burgher heart there is a place which will forever be Sri Lanka. Once the vicious tentacles of Covid 19 have been untangled and the second wave has been calmed, they will come. In droves. Let’s greet them and say ‘Ayubowan.’

 

Names of other Burghers who have made an impact on life in old Ceylon are as follows:-

Tita Nathanielsz

 

Tita Nathanielsz; played three first-class games in the late forties and early fifties, when matches between a combined Ceylon team against overseas sides were the only first-class games in the country. Nathanielsz, a medium-pacer with a round-arm action who managed to extract sharp bounce despite an extremely short run-up, served Colts Cricket Club as an administrator and was their patron for 19 years. He had been a member of Colts for 69 years and also served as president of the Royal Colombo Golf Club.

 

David Gladwin Loos, C.C.S.; A renowned diplomat. Also served as Director of External Resources, Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs to the Government of Sri Lanka.

The Colts. Havelocks and BRC cricket clubs were the breeding ground of champion athletes, cricketers and rugby Union Players. The Burghers lived in harmony and quite easily integrated with the Muslims, Bohras, and Sindhi communities. The fabulous Aldons Brothers of Havelocks Fame, Ernie Kelart, Bob Bartels & Russell Bartels of Cricket/Rugby/Hockey fame.

 

The Schokmans, Michael, David and Patrick of rugby, cricket, and boxing fame. Frederick and Duncan Kreltzhiem, the De Kretser’s, who represented Ceylon in Hockey/Cricket. Larry Foenander and many more who represented the BRC, Havelocks, Colts – Ceylon

Champions - Sara Trophy/ The Andriez Shield.

 

Female athletes Myrna Kelaart. June de Kretser, Carmen Joachim, Irene Williams, Irene de Silva and many more were members of the Burgher community.

Distinguished Lawyers – The Anthonisz Brothers.

 

The Drieberg family. Pusine Court Justices – St Clair Swan, FHB Koch, EFN Gratien, The doyen of Sports Journalisim, SP Foenander lived down De Kretser Place.

Duck Duetrom was a hot tempered and cantankerous old man. He received the nickname “Duck” after having been seen walking with a duck under his arm, a prize from a local church raffle.

 

Champion Athletes like Guy & John Motha, Cricketer/Athlete Ian Hepponsrtall of St St Josephs College, Haigh Karunartne, Tyrell Gauder (STC Cricket), Fredrick, Malcolm & Michael Kretlshiem (Royal), Trevor Anghie Royal – Boxing /Rugby and his brother Maurice, are some of the many Burgher boys born and bred in Bambalapitiya - the town like no other.

 

Allister Bartholomeusz, formerly of Mary's Road, Bambalapitiya, now resident in Australia, was a keen Kinross Club member and actively participated in all the aquatic events held there.

 

RANDOM MUSINGS OF A SENILE MIND

by the late Rodney Vandergert (a third party perspective written in 2006)

 

“Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive, but to be young was very heaven” [Wordsworth: Preludes]

In the Nineteen Forties and early Fifties, Bambalawatte was the center of the universe. It was where all the meaningful action took place and where the principal actors were mainly Burghers and a group of expatriates drawn from half a dozen nationalities.

This was brought most forcibly to my mind after reading the recent obituaries which appeared in the local press – one to Zoe Jayatilleke by Tita Nathanielsz; the other to David Gladwin Loos, C.C.S.. by Bradman Weerakoon.

The two articles made reference to a host of distantly remembered persons who figured prominently in those halcyon days, persons who were just names to me but spoken of quite frequently by, or were known to, my younger aunts like Beryl and Aileen and older cousins such as Allanson, Rene, Noel and Inez.

Bradman Weerakoon in his appreciation of David Loos brought to mind a dozen or so distinguished young Burgher Civil Servants of that time. While David stood out as the “Adonis” in that constellation there were others equally note-worthy such as Neville Jansz,

Anton Mc Heyzer, Donald Speldewinde, Raine Wright and someone whose Christian names alone made an indelible impression

on my generation of Government Service colleagues as we perused the old “Civil List” – Dirk Philippus Rutgert Paulusz.

In various ways they distinguished themselves during their period in the C.C.S., despite the fact that many left prematurely either to take up more lucrative appointments in the private sector or to seek their fortunes abroad. I am informed that even in today’s war-affected Vavuniya, a portrait of Donald Speldewinde continues to hold pride of place in the Kachcheri, while the MacHeyzer Stadium is still the main venue for sports in Trincomalee.

The persons referred to in the Zoe Jayatilleke obituary included Harry Nightingale, the swimming coach; Greg Roskowski; Rolf Sando Mirsky; Marjorie Sample; Dr. Justin “Dadda” Flamer-Caldera and his brood; Harry and Olga Koch; Stanley and Christobel Livera; ‘Budgie’ Metzeling; the Driebergs and the Felsinger sisters Jean and Miriam. Though not referred to, other names conjured up by association were Yvonne Gulam-Hussain (nee Toussaint); Dr Larry Foenander, Rodney Jonklaas and Trevor Oliver (Tod) Dias.

Associated with the above and what gave Colombo at that time a very cosmopolitan character was Yvonne Bradley, a dance instructress from England; Madame Maryse Fumet, a French cookery expert; Thelma Kai who taught Hawaiian dancing and the Hawaiian guitar; Rupert Wagn, a Dane who taught the piano; Frank Harrison, a ballroom dancing teacher from Australia and Gerd Von Dinklage, a German who was Sri Lanka’s pioneer spear-fisherman..

To these must be added Ms. Marjorie Sample and Mrs. Spencer Shepherd and the two earlier mentioned Poles, Greg Roskowski and Rolf Sando-Mirsky, the latter name also bringing to mind his preferred mode of transport- the Triumph Speed Twin on which he met his untimely death.

The scenes of much of the activities of the above named were the Otters Swimming Club; the BRC, Colts Cricket Club, and the Havelock Rugger Club. Strangely the DBU did not feature in their revels, being much too straight-laced for the likes of the above.

A major influence in fashioning this sub-culture was the newly created Commercial Service of Radio Ceylon, headed by Clifford Dodd and assisted by Livy Wijemanne, Bob Harvey and Norton Pereira.

The last of that line of Mohicans, Jimmy Barucha passed away earlier this year, creating a great void in the lives of many people of my vintage. What great pleasure Jimmy gave my

aunt Daisy and me in Mutuwal every Saturday night with his radio program “Melodies that Linger”: and his characarestic introduction to each singer -

“Now approaching mike- side is………”. But this little microcosm of life could not withstand the political changes that rapidly swept Ceylon from the mid-1950s. Most of the people referred to emigrated to Australia, U.K. or Canada while some of the expatriates returned to their countries of origin.

The process for me was completed when we no longer saw “Pinkie” Gerreyn and Johnny Ayscough trawling the streets

of Bambalawatte, the former on his Harley-Davidson, the latter in his Standard 8 Tourer.

Like many an ageing Burgher1, I bemoan the passing of that happy, innocent era when men wore lounge suits or, at least, long-sleeved shirts and cravats to the 6 o’clock film show at the Majestic and the Savoy and their ladies wore hats and gloves to evensong at the DRC Church, Arethusa Lane, Wellawatte.

But “tempus fugit“ and all of us have to accept the necessary changes which time must inevitably bring . As Shakespeare wrote –

“Golden lads and girls all must,
As chimney sweepers, come to dust.”

Rodney Vandergert

 

[published with the kind permission of his wife, Cheryl Vandergert, in Ratmalana]

 

Other Burgher names that come to mind are:

 

"Small Boy" Pereira, ‘Budgie’ Metzeling,  “Pinkie” Gerreyn, Adrian Ferdinands,  Adrian Jansz, Aldons, Alston Joachim,  Alvis, Angela Bartholomeusz,  Angelo De Silva, Anne Salvador-Dunlop, Anne Winter, Angelo Fernando, Angelo Wickramaratne, Anita Arndt, Ann Traddigo,  Anne Salvador-Dunlop, Anslem Pereira, Anthonisz,  Antoinette Fernando (South Africa), Anton Cowley,  Anton Mc Heyzer, Astrid Sargent (nee LeMercier), Aubrey Van Cuylenberg, Aubrey Weinman, Barbara Bowles,  Barbara Sansoni, Barney Bernardo, Bell,  Bernard Swan, Berty Fernando,  Beverley Dirckze, Bill Forbes, Bob Bartels, Bob Harvey, Brenda Sitlani,  Brian Coomerawel, Brian de Kretser, Brian Vantwest,  Brighty Cook, Brohier,  Bunny Ashbourne, Bunny Ferdinands, Carl Cooke, Carl Fernando, Carlislie Chalon,  Carmen Fernando, Carmen Herft, Carmen Joachim, 

Carol Bartholomeusz, Carol Fernando,  Cecil Bocks, Charles, Charlie Oorloff, Charmaine Schargnivel, Cherryl Duff-Tytler,  Cherubims, Cheryl Vandergert, Chris Greet,  Christie Bartholomeusz, Christo Prins,  Christobel Ebert, Christopher, Chummy Pereira, Claessan, Classez,  Clem Croner (ten/clt), Clementine Ebert, Clifford Dodd,  Colin-Thome, Conrad De Silva,  Conrad Ephraims, Conrad Martinez, Cooke, Corrine Fernando, Dagma Mack, 

Dallas Achilles, Dania Peiris, Darrell Weinman Dr,  David Bartholomeusz (Ronnie’s

brother), David de Kretser,  David Hoffman, David Sansoni, David Schokman, David Solomans, Dawn Martyn,  de Kretser, de Mel, Deanna Graham,  Debbie Arnolda, Deidre Jansz,  Deloraine Pereira, Dender, Dennis Bartholomeusz, Denzil Walles, Derek Evarts (ten),  Desmond De Silva, Desmond Garainde, Desmond Pompeus,  Desmond Templar, DIG Van Twest,  Dion Walles, Dirckze, Dirk Philippus, Dolart Pereira,,  Dominic Sansoni, Donald Speldewinde, Donny Misso,  Donovan Andree, Douglas Roberts,  Driebergs, Druki Martenstyn, Duck Duetrom, Dudley Perera, Dunbar de Zylva,  Duncan Clyde, Duncan Kreltzhiem, Dwight van Langenberg,  Ebel, Eden Pompeus,  Edgar Heber (alto), Eileen Nathanielsz, Eliyas, Elmo Spittel, Eren de Selfa,  Eric Martinez, Erick Cook, Ermin Jayawardena,  Ernie Kelart, Errol Mulholland,  Esme Fernando, Esmee Bertha Susannah Maynert Herft, Eva Perera, Felsinger, Ferdinand,  FHB Koch, Fr Noel Cruz, Fr Theodore Pieris,  Fr.Christian, Francis Carlisle Bartholomeusz,  Francis Edwin, Francis Peiris, Frank David, Frank Gunasekera, Frank Gunatilake,  Frank Harrison, Franklyn Jacob, Fred Pereira.,  Freddie Diaz (ten), Frederick Ludowyk,  Fredrick Kretlshiem, Friar, Frosty Van Langenberg, Fryer, Garainde’s,  Garnier, Geoff Garnier, George (ten) Crake,  George Cook, George M Barrow,  George Martin, George Pereira, George Siegertsz, Gerd Von Dincklage, Gerry Crake,  Gillian Thorne, Gina Zamprelli, Godfrey Davidson,  Guy Fernando, Guy Thiedeman,  Harold de Sayrah, Harry Koch, Harry Nightingale, Heather Crake, Heidi Bartholomeusz (Laurie Munding),  Henry Perera, Herbert Bartholomeusz JP, Hildon Bevan,  Hoffman, Hugh Stewart,  Hula Mortier, Ian Conrad De Silva, Ian Hepponstal, Ian Kelly, Imelda de Sayrah,  Ioni Bartholomeusz (Jerry Carroll), Isobella Clogstoun, Ivor Vantwest,  Jan Vanden Driesen, Jansen,  Jansz, Jean Felsinger, Jean Van Heer, Jeanette Edelmann, Jennifer Batholameusz,  Jenny Van Cuylenburg Pereira, Jerome De Silva, Jerry Oorloff,  Jilska Nathanielz, Jimmy Van Sanden,  Joan Clogstoun, Johan Cook, John Banks, John Burrows, John Weiman,  Johnny Ayscough, Joseph Oorloff, June de Kretser,  Justin “Dadda” Flamer-Caldera Dr, Kathy Solomons,  Keith Andersen, Kenneth Honter, Kenneth Rodey, Kevin Speldewinde, Koch Mrs,  Larraine Hoffman, Larry Foenander Dr, Le Mottes,  Lempeher, Leonard Francke,  Letcho Ephreamus, Linda Jansz, Linda Lovell, Loos, Lorensz,  Lorensz D'Silva, Lorna Nelson, Lou Spittel,  Lovells, Luis Moreno,  Lynette Claessen, Madame Maryse Fumet, Malcolm Andree, Malcolm de Zilwa (ten/alto), Malcolm Kretlshiem,  Malcolm Wright, Marcel Beling, Marjorie Sample,  Maureen Friar, Maureen Hingert,  Maurice, Maxim de Kretser, Melanie Blake, Melanie White, Mervyn Dirckze,  Michael Kretlshiem, Michael Mack, Michael Muller,  Michael Schokman, Michelle Fonseka,  Michelle Wright, Mifanwy Pompeus, Mignnone Jansen (nee Ebert), Mignonne Fernando, Mignonne Kelaart,  Mike “Hootie” Gibson, Mike Birch, Mike James,  Mike Schockman, Mike Smith,  Milroy De Silva, Milroy Passe-deSilva, Miriam Felsinger, Misso, Mona Walles,  Moosin, Moreena Salih, Morton Cole,  Mother Celeste Marchall, Mr Rupesinghe (Rupperty),  MS Izadeen, MSM Ghouse, MSM Marleen, MSM Ozeer, Mubarak,  Mubarak Thaha, Mueeza, Mueeza Sheriff,  Muhsin Shareef, Muiz Marikar,  Myrna Bartholomeusz, Myrna Kelaart, Nedra Wiliams, Nelson, Neville Jansz,  Neville Leafe, Nicolle, Nigel de Kretser,  Noel Muller, Noeline Honter,  Norbert Edelmann, Olga Koch, Olwyn, Orr, Outschoorns,  Pamela Solomons, Pat Kelly, Paternott,  Patrick Schokman, Patternot,  Pauline de Croos, Paulus, Penny White, Percy Bartholomeusz, Peter Prins,  Peter Sawdy, Philip, Philip Dirckze,  Phylis Garainde, Pinkey Garainde,  R Edwards, Raddy Ferreira, Raife Jansz, Raine Wright, Ralph D'Silva,  Ralph Forbes, Ralph Maas,  Ralston Kern, Randy Gray, Rankine, Reeves Neydorff, Reuben Solomon (alto/clt),  Revel Crake, Rhonda Molloy, Richard Heyn,  Robin Vantwest, Rodney Jonklaas,  Rodney Rabo, Rodney Van Heer (ten), Rodney Vandergert, Rogan Kelly, Roger D'Silva,  Roger Solomons, Romayne De Alwis, Ron Bartholomeusz,  Ron Kellar, Ron Lucas,  Ronald Bartholomeusz, Rosemary Ferdinand, Rosemary Le Motte, Roy Clogstoun, Rudy Bernado,  Russel Kern, Russell Bartels, Rutgert Paulusz.,  Ruth Herft, Sandra Blake,  Sandra Hepponstall, Scarlett Hannibelsz, Schokmans, Shanti Schoorman, Sheila Solomons,  Shelagh Paul,  Sonny Bartholomeusz, Sonny Garainde,  Sophie Clogstoun, SP Foenander,  Spencer Shepherd Mrs, Spillers, Spillers (nee Ebert), St Clair Swan, Stevie Overlunde:,  Stork, Stuart de Silva, Suzanne Bartels,  Sybil Le Motte, Theo,  Therese Claessen, Timothy Speldewinde, Tina Edward – Gunawardhana, Tony Blake, Tony Buxton,  Tony Fernando, Tony Williams, Trevor Anghie,  Tyrone LeMercier, Valdene,  Vanhouten, Vantwest family, Vernon de Zylva, Weinman, Wendy Winter,  Wilhelm Hoffman, Willy Blake, Yolande Wolfe,  Yrol, Yvette Pereira,  Yvonne Blake

 

The Paravars (Bharathar, Bharathakular)

The name Paravar literally means "dwellers on seacoast" and is derived from the Tamil word paravai meaning "sea" or "expanse". The Paravars may have been the Paradavar mentioned in Sangam literature, who are mentioned in the Pattinappaalai. They were also known as Minavar (lit. fishermen) and were maritime inhabitants of the littoral Sangam landscape known as Neithal, who were among other involved in fishing. The name Parathavar may be derived from the same root word paravai.

The Paravars prefer to call themselves Parathar also written Bharathar, which may be a corrupted form of the Tamil word padavar meaning "boat men". Another etymological theory propose the community had adopted the name of the Bharatas clan from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, who were the ancestor of the heroes in the epic, following their origin myth from Ayodhya.

The Paravars were probably a primarily endogamous society until the arrival of the Portuguese, marrying only within their own caste and so keeping the tribal ties strong. Subsequently, they became exogamous and from this came the use of names based on Portuguese origin. Family names such as Fernando, Costa, da Cruz and Roche are a direct consequence of these marriages, and familiar names, such as Susai (a Tamil translation of Joseph), reflect both the marriages and the general Portuguese influence. Robinson offers a different thesis, claiming that they remained endogamous even after conversion, that these family ties strengthened their ability to ascend socially and that the use of Christian family names was in fact a privilege granted to them by the Portuguese and deemed to be a sign of their superiority over other castes such as the Mukkuvars.

There are four family names of non-Christian origin still in common use, these being Kalingarayan, Villavarayan, Poobalarayan and Rayan. These names are thought possibly to have their origin in arayan, which was used by Tamil fishing groups as a caste title. Arayan is claimed by some modern descendants of the Paravars to be itself derived from rayya (rajah, king).

Commonly found names of the Paravar, in Sri Lanka, are,

Almeida, Alvarus, Britto, Babapulle, Carvalho, Coonghe, Corera, Costa, Cruz, de Cruz, de Mel, de Rose, de Silva, de Souza, de Votta, Ferdinandes, Ferdinando, Fernando, Fernandez, Gomez, Kagoo, Leon, Machado, Mascarenhas, Miranda, Morais, Motha, Paiva, Paldano, Perez, Pinto, Rayan, Rayen, Roche, Rodrigo, Rubeiro. Vaz, Victoia, Villavarayan.

The Colombo Chetty Community

The Colombo Chetty community in Sri Lanka trace back their origins to India.

Adaman, Alles, Anandappa, Aserappa, Cadiramen, Candappa, Casie Chetty, Chitty, De Rosairo, Don Simon de Melho, Fernandopulle, Fernandopulle, Fernandopulle, Muttukrishna, Muttukumaru, Ondaatje, Perez, Pillai, Pulle, Pulle Tissera, Puvimanasinghe, Puvirajasinghe, Savundranayagam,Tissera, Vindurampulle, Von Possner, Wannigakoon,

 

INDONESIA

The only Indonesian Burghers in Sri Lanka

 

By M.D (Tony) Saldin

 

Willem Ferdinand Lumanauw hailed from Tondano, a town in Northern Celebes, now known as the island of Sulaweisi, when present day Indonesia was known to the outside world as the Dutch East Indies. The closest city to Tondano, is Manado.

 

Regionally headquartered in Batavia which is present day Jakarta, the Dutch East India Company or Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (VOC) invaded the numerous Indonesian islands one by one to exploit the spice trade, especially pepper and cinnamon which was exported to Europe at enormous profits.  At its peak the VOC was the richest private company in the world with over 150 merchant ships, 40 warships, and 50,000 employees and with an army of over 10,000 soldiers. Indonesia continued to be under the iron heel of the Dutch for over 350 years until independence on 17th August 1945.

 

Born on October 7th 1919, after World War 1, young Willem Lumanauw who was educated in Dutch joined the Royal Dutch merchant marine as a purser on a ship called the “Plancius.  His father one Johannes was a landed proprietor and an owner of rice fields in

Tondano.  Willem had 3 brothers and a sister.  Of the brothers Freddie was in the Indonesian Navy, Jan, an officer in the Army and Johannes a rebel either on the side of the Japanese or allied forces in the 2nd world war.

 

Willem was on the “Plancius” during the siege of Singapore in 1941. His ship which was carrying war refugees to Colombo narrowly escaped Japanese torpedoes whilst sailing out of the Singapore harbour.

 

After the end of World War 2 he left the Royal Dutch merchant marine KPM and settled in Colombo where he was in the employ of the Consul for Holland in Ceylon, a Dutch Burgher by the name of Mr. De Wildt.  In time De Wildt would team up with Bogstra to form the well known company “Bogstra & De Wildt” in the Fort who were the agents for Seiko watches in Sri Lanka. He also dabbled in the ship chandelling business which was

subsequently passed on to Halim Ishaak. Before Indonesia gained independence from Holland in 1945, Dutch was the lingua-franca for all communications and Willem was able to read, write and speak Dutch fluently.

 

Willem was introduced to Sybil Iris Wallace the beautiful daughter of Stanley and Veronica Wallace, at a house party organized by a fellow ship chandler De Kauwe, held in the residence of one Van Gramberg. After a whirlwind romance, they were married on 12th June 1945.  She was 17 and he was 26 years old. From the union, two children were born, a son Stanley and daughter Veronica.

 

Willem joined the Indonesian Legation in 1955 prior to it becoming a fully fledged Embassy.  The Legation was located in Melbourne Avenue, Colombo 4 when

Mr. De Fretes was Charge d’Affaires.  In January 1958, President Soekarno made a state visit to Ceylon when H.E. Djoemena was the Indonesian Ambassador.  During his tenure at the embassy, Willem functioned as the Colombo Plan Officer and attended the Non-Aligned Conference in Algiers in 1965 accompanied by his wife.  The Indonesian Ambassador in Algeria at the time of the Conference was H.E. Asa Bafagieh, who was the former Indonesian Ambassador in Colombo.

 

Apart from his work at the Embassy, Willem took part in various activities in Colombo.  He was an expert Ballroom and Latin American dancer and won the 1955 and 1956 Ceylon Champions of Ballroom dancing titles with his Dutch partner whose husband was attached to the Dutch Legation; a Fashion Designer – “Symphony in Batik” fashion show organized by him on 4th March 1966 at Hotel Taprobane where the Governor General and Madame Gopallawa graced the occasion as the Chief Guests.  His creations in batik were modelled by Ceylon’s leading mannequins.  Besides being a designer, he also cut and tailored bridal dresses and crafted wedding cake structures for several close friends.  A man of many talents, he was an excellent chef, entertainer, musician and tennis player.

 

Willem left the embassy in August 1966 when His Excellency Chanafiah was the Ambassador.  The embassy at that time was located at No: 23, Alfred Place, Colombo 3 and the Ambassador’s official residence was at “Wisma Duta” No: 16, Edinburgh Crescent (presently Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha) Colombo 7. He left Sri Lanka in 1969 for Indonesia where he died in a motor accident in Jakarta in 1979.  He was buried in the family burial grounds of the Lumanauw’s in Tondano, North Sulaweisi.

 

His wife Sybil Iris Lumanauw, passed away peacefully on 11th June 2011 at the grand old age of 83 years at her ancestral home in Kirillapone, and was laid to rest at the Walles family burial plot RC section of the General Cemetery Borella on 12th June 2011, the day of her 66th wedding anniversary.

 

Their son Stanley now 65 years was earlier employed in a travel company owned by Bogstra’s grandson in the mid 1980’s prior to becoming a Gym instructor at St. Thomas and St. Peters College; daughter Veronica 62 was a former staff member of the IWMI, Battaramulla. Their only wish now is to visit Tondano to pay their respects at the grave of their father and to make contact with their relatives in Sulaweisi.

 

A Google search on the internet by the writer showed that there are many Lumanauw’s in Sulaweisi. However these two Lumanaws’ are the only “Indonesian Burghers” in Sri Lanka. 

 

They are truly the “Last of the Mohicans”.

 

(The writer is President of the Sri Lanka Indonesia Friendship Association and Vice President, Social/Cultural of the Mabole Malay Association).

 

Stanley Lumanauw

Deeply regret to convey the sudden passing away of a loyal Pre-Seventies Peterite, Stanley Lumanauw.

 

An erstwhile Secretary of the Batch he was one who kept many an Old Peterite updated on matters relating to College and the OBU.

 

May his soul rest in peace with the Lord.

Tue Aug 10 2021

Stanley lived in the house behind Ms Spillers on Castle Lane (later occupied by Chanaka Amerasinghe of Liberal Party). His Dad is Indonesian and Mum is a Burgher. Wonderful chap. Their backyard borders our old Bamba home fence near the Kottang Tree.  So sad, indeed! Stanley gave me lots of data on St Peters College boys who lived at Bamba when I was writing the book "Bamba Days" He would have been 74+. The house belonged to Ms Spillers sister and was rented to the Lumanauw family in the 60s.

 

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