The Vidane or Vithanai was a petty native headman or a rural police constable in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) during the colonial era.
[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.
This was an influential post, the holder had much control over the people of the area and had limited police powers since he was responsible to keep the peace, carry out revenue collection and assist in judicial functions.
[citation needed] Following the formation of the State Council of Ceylon in 1931, one of its members, H. W. Amarasuriya, called for an inquiry into the Native Headman System.