Muhandiram

Muhandiram (Sinhala: මුහන්දිරම්, Tamil: முகாந்திரம்) was a post in the native headmen system in the lower-country (coastal districts) of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) during the colonial era.

The post originated from the Portuguese colonial administration in the 17th century by enlisting natives of different castes from the coastal areas.

He would report to the mudaliyar of the korale or atapattu (district) and was subordinate to the assistant government agents and other civil servants.

Appointments were non-transferable and usually hereditary, made to locals, usually from wealthy influential families loyal to the British Crown.

This was an influential post, as the holder had much control over the populace of a korale and wielded quasi-judicial powers since he was responsible for keeping the peace, carrying out revenue collection and assisting in judicial functions.