Having a problem with your Sri Lankan searches then contact us our data base might just have the record you are looking for. We have thousands of deaths, burials, births, baptisms and marriages on our files from various sources not all of them on our web site.. Looking forward to hearing from you. 
Hello Eileen
I am trying to locate the death/burial of George Alfred Brace, who appears to have died some time in 1891 or early 1892, most likely in the Trincomalee area.
Thanks
Darren
I don’t have this name on my data base but I will be going to Colombo in early summer
if you like I can check when I am there in the records. Let me know in early April if you would like me to do a search for you then.
Dear Eileen
I am in the process of collecting information on the Revd. Walter Stanley Senior, whose ashes are buried at st. Andrews church in Haputale. It seems there are three people with the name “Senior” in that graveyard. Rev. WSS, and his wife Ethel May. But who was Hugh Stanley Senior ? Is that a son ? Any idea where the descendants are ? I remember seeing a photograph on the web of a young man with his arms round the gravestone, saying my grandfather, but unfortunately I cannot find it anymore !!
many thanks for your help
You most probably have this informatin by now. My name is fred senior the grandson in the picture.Hugh was the 1st born then my father and wy 2 amazing aunts.
ආයුබෝවන් !
I reserch about pilkington and coombe brothers in poonagala.
ආයුබෝවන් !
I reserch about pilkington and coombe brothers in poonagala .
Hello Eileen
I am wondering if you maybe able to help me in my long search for my Great Grandfather Hutteman Singh. I believe he was Punjarbi however the idea has been thrown around that he was Sri Lankin.
Would you have any records of a Hutteman Singh parents Mary and Bihesi. Bihesi was an ordained minister for the Church of Scottland. What a mixed up family I have.
Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated.
Regards Rhonda
I am looking for records pertaining to William Laws of the 19th of Foot and his family. He was stationed in Ceylon from approximately December 1813 to May 1820 and I have military records of service confirming this. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1816 and was a career military man and later a Chelsea Pensioner. His daughter Margaret was born about 1820 in Ceylon and may have been baptised as Catherine or had a sister very close in age by that name. He may have married Sarah Dixon (Dikson, Dickson alternative spellings) nee Johnston, widow of John? Dixon (same alternate spellings) who likely died about 1819 in Ceylon. It is therefore possible that Margaret/Catherine was Dixon’s biological daughter but went by the name of Laws. There is a John Dixon in the 19th at the right time, and also listed in your database of Kandee burials from 1822, but this may be slightly too late unless William married the widow later than we think (the 1820 date is approximate.) Any Ceylon/Sri Lanka records you may have related to any of the aforementioned individuals would be appreciated and if there are likely records we would be happy to purchase them (your indexes do not appear to include such early British records.) Margaret Laws, born Ceyon c. 1820, is my husband’s direct ancestor.
Hello Sarah
I too am descended from Margaret or Catherine Laws. I believe her parents were William Laws and Sarah Dixon (widow), who were married on 8 June 1819 at Point de Galle, Colombo (I have a copy of their marriage record). I think it unlikely Margaret/Catherine was the daughter of John Dixon and Sarah as she did not take the name Dixon. In this regard, John and Sarah had a son (John Dixon) who was named as one of the executors of William Laws per probate records.
William Laws was baptised 21 Jul 1793 in Wolsingham, Durham, the son of Hannah Laws and before joining the army he was a school teacher. He died in Newcastle on 18 Jan 1877. I do have some further information on the Laws family and believe Sarah (nee Johnston) was born 28 Jun 1790 in Paisley, the daughter of Alexander and Christian Johnston.
Hopefully the above is of some use and if you would like to discuss further please let me know.
Regards
David
Dear Sarah. Have you had any luck with your search.
Karl
Karl.merklein@gmail.com
Clarification: William Laws’ wife Sarah lived and returned to Newcastle with William. The death in 1819 refers to her possible first husband, John Dixon.
I am interested in any information about Eugnene Lancelot Leembruggen (born 13 August 1887) who was fist married to Muriel Toussaint (30 September 1888) on 20 September 1919.
We have no data on the above hopefully someone may be able to help you.
Eileen Hewson FRGS
The Kabristan Archives
I would like to know whether there are is the birth/baptism record of my father CLAUDE ALEXANDER WIJESINHGHA. His date of birth may be 10 dec 1910.( not certain).His father was Rev Charles Wijesingha and the mother Sophia Malena Perera.Rev Charles may have been the vicar at St Pauls.
Hello Ranjit, I’m sure you have already received a response to your query. My late grandmother was Ada Muriel WIJESINGHA and she was born in Kandy in April 1900 or 1904. Do you think you father and my grandmother may have been related?
For anyone else, my grandmother above was born in Kandy and worked as a teacher/headmistress there. My grandfather, Lionel Amerasekera was born in Galle circa 1900. They married and lived in Colombo. If you have any info you would like to share please contact me
I am looking for a Ameresekara and Wijesinha connection which I found here.
Is Your grand mother connected to Kingsley wijesinha? He lived in Canada,A lawyer If you want more info about Kingsley I will send you.
Hi Roy,
I am interested in knowing more about your grandfather Lionel Ameresekera.
Can you check if any of the three Ameresekere family trees below appear familiar to you?
https://amarasekara.net
https://amarasekara.net/hanwella
https://amarasekara.net/athauda
Thanks
Hi Roy,
My dad’s name is Randolph Wijeyesinghe. And my grandfather’s name is Felix Augustus Lionel Wijeyesinghe who had 5 sisters, all educated and lived in Kandy. Ada Muriel, Dora Florence, Elma Victoria, Gertrude Isabel, Grace Josephine, Helen Matilda Wijeyesinghe. My grandparents are Felix Augustus Lionel Wijeyesinghe & Esme Felicia Wijeyesinghe, and my great grandparents are John Perera. Wijeyesinghe & Jane Margaret nee Ratnayake. Esme my grandma passed away in Canada. My dad has 4 boys & 3 girls in the family. So my dad is the only one living in Sri Lanka. He’s 75+ and he has told me about the case my grandfather had to fight in courts in the early 1950s which went to high courts too and I have the whole copy of the case with me… My dad would be thrilled to get to know you. Please contact us.
If you have any photos of your grandparents, please be kind to send me a few. And I’m happy to share my papa’s picture with you too. Thanks to these technology. We look forward to hearing from you!
Hi Taniya,
Just FYI, I was acquainted with your father and his brother several years ago as we tried to investigate our respective Wijeyesinghe families. Please note that I put Roy in touch with your father’s brother, James, back in 2023. I do not know what came of it.
It’s been a few years – I hope James and Randolph are doing okay.
Hello I am looking for a marriage record for Richard Barber and Ann in Ceylon between 1821 and 1834. They had a daughter born Jane Barber in July 31st 1833 and only her mother’s first name is listed on the birth certificate. Her father was a soldier in the 58th foot regiment and her mother might have also died in Ceylon. Her father married again after leaving Ceylon in 1842.
Thank you for any help
I have been looking without success for any information concerning my paternal grandmother, Eugene Windsor(nee Fernandez/Ferdinandez), born in Colombo, circa 1875. She married a Mr Handley/Hendley in Ceylon (date not known) and was later widowed and emigrated to Burma (now Myanmar) via Madras where she married my grandfather, George Albert Windsor (also from Galle, Ceylon) at St Philip’s C of E church in Rangoon (now Yangon) on 20th Dec 1906. I understand my grandmother was of mixed Portuguese and Sinhalese descent. I should be much obliged if anyone has information about her or her relatives and if not can point me in the right direction where I might get such information. Many thanks !
Dear Neville,
Your item is now posted hopefully you will received some replies.
Regards
Eileen Hewson FRGS
The Kabristan Archives & Genealogy Sri Lanka
Hi Neville, my great grand parents were, Mary Nona Fernandez , who married Augustine Parker McShane. If you have any information on them, I would be grateful . Perhaps Mary Nona and your grandma were sisters.
Dear Eileen,
Very many thanks for your kind and helpful interest and assistance. I look forward to receiving some good news with your help. Regards, Neville
I am looking for for bmd records for forbes relatives and their workers on the Scottish ceylon tea company estates strathdon, abergeldie, Abbotsleigh, invery and waterlo, lonach and Ben ache. The estates are mostly at lower dickoya. Any info wd be gratefully received.
I am looking for any information about my great grandfather Charles Jayasuriya who was born in Kandy in 1890. He was a surveyor who left Ceylon for Sandakan North Borneo around 1916.
I think his second name was Patrick.
I am looking into my husbands family tree,apparently they had an estate in kandy,I think between 1911 to maybe 1915/1916 they had a daughter born there and a son aged aged 8 yrs old that died there in kandy I dont know how he died,the parents names are william charles peel and leonie peel the son was jack john peel,I would be grateful of any help.
Hi Valerie,
I saw this post, while I myself am researching this William Charles Peel trying to workout if I need to cross him off the list as a possible birth father to my Great Grandfather, is there a way that we could possibly email each other and may be compare notes? I have found a tree regarding this family too that I can pass this information on to you. Kindest regards Sonia Palmer (Australia)
Hello Eileen
Hiram and Jesse Coggins were brothers born 1817 and 1820 in England and went to Ceylon in the 90th foot regiment in1836 and 1838.
Hiram died before 1840.
Jesse married twice and had many children in Ceylon.
My ancestor Arthur Gray Fane was half caste and gave his parents as Jesse and Mary Ann Pearson , who was Jesse ‘s second wife.
Jesse remained in Ceylon after the regiment departed in 1846 and was a resident of the Galloway Knowe estate where my half caste ancestor was born about 1861.
Any theories or information would help enormously.
Many thanks
Allan Hough
Hi Allan,
Did you know that Jesse died in Australia (leaving a widow and three children)?
Email me for details if interested.
Cheers,
Lindsey
Hello ,
I have been searching for Arthur Gray Fane for many years . He is my great grand father. Can you or anyone else help with further info , please ?
I have just stumbled across this site …
Hi Sue
I am researching Jessie Coggins and Mary Ann Pearson.
Cheers Mark Hamilton
Prospect
South Australia
Hello Lindsey,
My name is Sue Isherwood. I came across a message you left on a genealogy website regarding Jesse Coggins. He was my Great Great Grandfather and I would dearly love any information you may have on him or his son Arthur Gary Fane.
Thank you
Dear Sue
Regarding Arthur Fane and Jesse Coggins can I open conversation with you by email as I have not looked at this site for years?
Allan Hough
houghallan@yahoo.co.au
Hi Lindsey,
I stumbled across your conversation, while searching for more information on my family history. Jesse Coggins is my ancestor from my mother’s side. As far as I know from his first marriage. I know that some of the family live in Australia, although I do not have much information about them. I myself live in UK but am a Sri Lankan Sinhalese by birth. Could you kindly let me know if you have more information on Jesse Coggins and his family as well his untimely death please.
Many thanks,
Pooja
Dear Pooja
Can I open conversation with you by email as I have not looked at this site for years.
Allan Hough
houghallan@yahoo.com.au
Dear Allan,
Arthur Gray Fane was my great grand father . I would dearly love to know about him . Can you help me with what you know ?
Thank you
Hi Allan,
I came across your message while searching for family history. I am also related to Jesse Coggins. Could you kindly let me know if you find more information as well please.
Many thanks
Pooja
Hi Allan,
I am researching Jessie Coggins and Mary Ann Pearson. I did try to email you at Yahoo but it bounced.
Cheers Mark Hamilton
Prospect
South Australia
My father’s name is Ranjith Hector Holmes (Negombo 10.08.1948). According to his birth certificate my grand father’s name is Hector Fedrick Holmes whose father or grand father is believed to be born in England. I would be grateful for any help to find my ancestors.
Hi, I’m not sure how helpful this information is to you. My great grandfather was Alexander Samuel Holmes. I don’t know much about him other than for him being my paternal grandmother’s father. Unfortunately there are no surviving members from my grandmother’s side of the family to provide more information either.
Regards,
Looking for a marriage in Sri Lanka between Horace Martin Capon Ledger and Ellinor Sandbach in 1909. If anyone can locate the entry it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Hi, my father and a number of his siblings were born in Ceylon from 1915 through to about 1925. My Father was born in July 1916. His parents were in Kandy, Peradinya and/or Nuwarra Elyia. My grandfather was a tea factory/plantation manager.
Any help would be much appreciated. We are intending to visit Sri Lanka later this year to follow up our searches.
Was your grandfather , Augustine Parker McShane ? If so , I have been trying to trace him. He was my mother’s grandfather. He had a son named Mark Perivale .
Hi Jeremy, I have a lot of information on Augustine Parker’s birth, siblings and parents. Please contact me so that we can exchange information on our relatives. That makes us second cousins !
Hello there,
I am Dennis from Singapore. I came across a book on the internet recently regarding a Lodge in Sri Lanka that my great grandfather may have been the founder. Sadly, I lost the title of the book.
My great grandfather’s was mentioned in the book. He had a single photograph of himself in the book at the same time. His name was Arnold Henry Keegel.
How possible is it to have some help to locate the book and the genealogy of the late Mr. Keegel? Thank you
Dear Dennis, I am Related to the Keegels and have a Lot of Info On the Family. I have 2 gents Recorded i Born 1854 and the other Earlier. There is a Difference in Christian name Order to you Query. My Records are for Henry Arnold Keegel. Could he be your Grandfather. Send me By email any Further Details you May have and I will give you all the info you need. You may have other Keegels too. Send me their Names as well. My EMAIL is themaninthehat@bigpond.com Regards Gary Ellis
I knew a Pastor Leslie Keegel who was the head of the Foursquare Gospel Tabernacle in Sri Lanka, now Dr. Keegel. He’s on Facebook if you’re interested
I am looking for Percy Jevons Newton, Gertrude J Newton and Edith Evelyn Newton all born between 1880 and 1883 in Colombo, Ceylon and possibly their parents marriage in Ceylon. The parents are John Titus Newton and Sarah Jane Jevons. They were back in England by 1885 and prior to them leaving for Ceylon John Titus was a druggist/chemist. Any help would be much appreciated.
Hi. The Ceylon Observer has the following marriage announcement in 1880:- “At Galle Face Church, on the 18th Dec., by the Rev. H. Newton M.A., John Newton, of Colombo, to Jeannie, daughter of Henry Jeavons, Globe Foundry, Staffordshire, England.”
Hi Darren
I am elated at your discoveries of the Newton family. Yes they are the family members I have been trying to trace for years. Thank you so much for this information I would like to hear how you found it.
Thanks again I look forward to hearing from you
Regards Madeline
1881 Births – “At Colombo, Sept. 15th, the wife of John Newton, of a son and daughter”
1883 Births – “On the morning of the 11th September, the wife of John T. Newton, Manager, Maitland & Co., (Limited), of a daughter”
I am a serious family history researcher who is currently trying to find
further information on one of my family members at subject. He was the
Priest-in-Charge at a number of churches in Sri Lanka, or Ceylon as it was
then known, over the period 1945-1962 as follows:
1945-47 Acting Chaplain to the Bishop of Colombo
1947-50 Priest-in-Charge St Mark Badulla and St Paul Kandy
1955-59 Priest in-Charge Holy Trinity Nuwara Eliya
1946-61 Priest-in-Charge St Matthew Dematagoda
The last record I have for him concerns his return journey from England, UK
departing on the 13th August, 1960. As he was born in 1893, it is possible
that he died and was buried in Sri Lanka. I have looked through your
wonderfully detailed web site for any records for the name of MARTYR, but
have found no record of his death or burial. At this stage, I am looking
for ANY information on James Graham de Garlieb MARTYR either before, or after his arrival in
Sri Lanka and wondered if you might be able to help me in my research, or
direct me towards any other likely source of information about him, please?
I look forward to hearing from anyone 🙂
Alan Rogers is researching Aubrey Higgs his wife’s great uncle. He was stationed at Kirkee, near Bombay, with the Royal Field Artillery, and deserted in March 1906. We have a 2 anna coin inscribed with his name and the date 16.6.11, so he may still have been in India then, but the family believed he was working in tea country in Ceylon. His brother was killed in Flanders in 1917, and his Army service record lists the family, including Sgt. Aubrey Higgs with the address “CEV (Ceylon).” This indicates that Aubrey did reach Ceylon, and joined the Ceylon Engineer Volunteers in the First World War.
Dear Eileen,
I am trying to search for any information (particularly parentage) regarding my great-grandfather, George Furse Roberts, A.G.A., of Hambantota, Ceylon. Supposedly, he was married at All Saints’, Galle, Ceylon, by the Rev. Francis Ellies, to Gabrielle Barton from Australia, on the 22nd February 1912.
Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated,
I recently purchased 21 photograph albums with over 3500 portraits of Ceylonese residents from the 1880’s to the 1920’s. There is a G. Furse-Roberts photograph in the albums. If you don’t already have his photograph I could send you a digital image.
Hi Palinda,
Do you have any Kroon in the photographs? I’m sure it must be a great collection. Thanks
Hi we would love to see this photo or g Furse Robert’s.
By the way my e-mail address is taprobana@hotmail.com
From Melissa Leaym-Fernandez
I have been trying to complete my genealogy and I need to find the right resources. Could you help? I have my biological father’s name, his parents and several generations of father’s fathers. I know my father was muslim. I have his name: Mohammed Hilme Khalid and my paternal grand father is Yacoob Mohammed Khalid and his wife was Sulima Bee Rhahim—her father Abdul Rhahim, and his father—Abduoul Gaffour; his father is Usman Nachia and his father is Ahamad Nachia and his father is Mohammed Cassim.
ANY ideas, suggestion or direction would be so deeply appreciated.
Sakthi Krishnamurthy is looking for information
My great great grand father “Mr. Ramu Ponnar” died in 1920
All i know is, that he died in Ceylon in 1920. Would like to know when he got married to my great great grandmother
Mrs.Nagan Kantha Ponnar. She died in 1937. I don’t know when they were born or when they got married. Or what my great great grandfather’s occupation was. I would be very grateful if you can find something about them.
Thank you,
Glenda Cornish
Greetings from NewZealand, I would be most grateful if you could assist me with the following ancestor/s
John Jacobus Appoo. According to his marriage cert he was born in 1822 Ceylon and was a Ship Steward. Also entered on the cert was his Father John Emmanuel Appoo (Merchant)Nothing entered for his Mother.
I have found John Jacobus on the United Kingdom Merchant Navy Seamans records 1835-1941 but it only stated that he was born 1822 Ceylon
John Jacobus came to NZ approx 1855 for a short period then went to Australia where he died aged 36
Any information would be appreciated.
Kevin Talbot is looking for help.
I am really hoping you can assist me.
I found my grandfather’s birth certificate which shows he was born in gampola town in ceylon and it shows his parents details which I am trying to trace any details I can on his parents.
His father’s name was Edward Valentine Talbot and the birth certificate says he was a Foreman platelayer. His mother’s name was Isobella Talbot and her maiden name was smith.
My grandfather was born 17 February 1915
Your help in Finding anything on my great grandparents is greatly appreciated
I am trying to obtain a birth, death and marriage certificate of my late grandmother August Helen Marguerite Berenger b.6.1.1897 d.5.3.1926. Can you help please?
My great Grandfather allegedly came from Ceylon however I have no proof.
I would be interested to hear if the name KADREWELL or similar is considered a Sri Lankan name?
Thank you
Hi Eileen
GDay to you all.
I am on the search for the genealogy of George McDonald who married Lourdes Ferdinands in the Kandy area.
I believe George was born in Ceylon, his parents came from Scotland. George and Lourdes had a daughter by the name of Lilian Celine.
Thank you for your help
Kala
Hi
I have hit a brick wall searching our family history. I’m looking for any information on the Pietersz family from Ceylon.
Joseph Walter Pieterz was born 12/12/1892 presumably in Ceylon.(I don’t have any birth record). He moved to UK after WW1, after serving with the RASC as an engineer.
His father is listed as James Pietersz and occupation “tea planter” on Joseph’s marriage certificate.I estimate James Pietersz birth to be around 1860 to 1870. I have an old photo of Josephs son dated 1943 taken in Colombo.
Thanks for any information.
Chris
Hello, Interesting. My mother is Mary Pearl Pietersz born in Batticaloa Sri Lanka on 25.06.1915, she had seibilings of 3 brothers Bertie, Hugh & Roy and a sister Stella and her father ( my grandfather ) was Francis Alexander Pietersz occupation Senior Clerk in the Batticaloa Law Court but I believe he too was born in Batticaloa and died in 1950/51 aged 70 +++. He was of very fair complexion, blue eyes, ( to my very early recollection ) unfortunately have no photographs, lost due to floods. My grandfather had an only sister named Sophia who married and went over to Singapore as her husband who found employment there and never returned, as their whole family were killed by the Japanese during the 2nd world war 1943/44. there is also I too am trying to build my family tree, but information is very hard and have also hit a brickwall. But intend to keep trying.
Hello Moyra, thanks for replying.
I’m not sure how common the Pietersz name (with that specific spelling) is in Sri Lanka, but I suspect it is very common. I hope you get further info on your family – keep searchng!
Chris
Hi Moyra. Just found something interesting on your grandfather Francis Alexander Pietersz. He has a record on the Ceylon Civil Service Widows and Orphans Fund Application which was sort of a pension program back in the day. The link to this is here: https://cdfhs.org/indexes/british-ceylon-ancestry/ceylon-civil-service-widow-orphan-fund-applications-index/
Hey Chris,
My name family name is also Pietersz and I’m in Sri Lanka. My ancestor’s name is Martin James Pietersz. I believe they are somehow related.
Maybe you could try the Dutch Burgher Union in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
i need genealogy of wilbert silva atulugamage birth 1914 columbo
Hi,
I’m looking for any information on Augustine Parker McShane, occupation tea planter.
Also on his son, Mark Perivale McShane. My great grandfather and grandfather.
Augustine married my great grandmother, Mary Nona Fernandez.
Tha k you .
Hello Eileen. My GG grandfather , John Malone and his wife Elizabeth arrived at Trincomalee in 1857. John was a soldier with the 50th Queens Own regiment. Their daughters were born there – Ellen in 1857 and Alice in 1859. The regiment left Ceylon in 1862, to go to New Zealand, then Australia. John Malone remarried in Australia in 1868. I am searching for the death record of Elizabeth. Nothing is showing up in New Zealand or Australia. So, I’m wondering if Elizabeth Malone died in Ceylon. If so, it would be after 1859 and before 1868. Thanking you, Julie
Hello Eileen ,lm looking for birth and death dates for my Grandmother and Grandfather ,
Lowrence Montford Ferreira born 24 – 8 – 1890 need death date
Mary Catherine Ferreira ( born Rodrigo ) birth and death date ,buried in Anglican section in Colombo general cemetery ,I’m hoping to find this grave next time I visit thanks Charmaine
I am trying to locate the death/burial of my great grandfather, James Robert Bett who died on September 3, 1917 in Wellawatta, Sri Lanka. He was a Tea Planter and was a Director for Ederapolla Tea Company of Ceylon in the early 1900’s.
Hi Carole. Obituary in the Ceylon Observer says that Mr. James Bett died from acute colitis on Monday September 3rd at “the estate bungalow of Walahapitaya estate, Marawila”. His remains were taken by motor to Argyle House, Wellwatta, on the morning of Tuesday September 4th and he was buried at the General Cemetery, Borella, in the afternoon.
Thank you so much for replying to my query. It is greatly appreciated.
Carole Dube
Hi Darren,
I was wondering if you would have any information on James Bett’s son also named James George Allan Bett was born on July 12, 1891 in Aberdelfy, Perth, Scotland and died on January 22, 1924 in Colombo Interstate.He lI am searching to find his obituary or an article to know what he died of or if this was a tragedy He lived Waljapola, Minuwangola, Ceylon.
Thank you.
Carole Dube
Hello Carole
James George Alan Bett died at the General Hospital in Colombo on 22nd January 1924, aged 35 years. His death certificate records him as a Planter and the cause of death was Delerium Tremens (DTs), so presumably alcohol related.
Regards
Darren
Dr. James Bett Sr., (d. 1891) authored “A Collection of Bagpipe Tunes”.
Both he and James Jr., (also a medical doctor, IIRC), were respected
bagpipe competition judges. James Bett Jr. went to Ceylon to manage
a tea plantation.
There’s an image of James Sr. on the title page of the Collection…
I’d be pleased to forward a jpeg by email, if you’d care to have it.
Additionally:
James Bett (Jr.) died 03/09 1917 in Ceylon
His obituary in the Ceylon Observer reads
that Mr. James Bett died from acute colitis
on Monday September 3rd at “the estate
bungalow of Walahapitaya estate, Marawila”.
His remains were taken by motor to Argyle House,
Wellwatta, on the morning of Tuesday September 4th
and he was buried at the General Cemetery, Borella,
in the afternoon.
He was your Great, Great GF, I assume.
Hello there
James Bett was also my great great grandfather (Carole and I have made contact with each other previously).
I would also welcome any information you may have together with any photographs.
I would very much like to plan to visit the area so as much information I could have I could start planning a trip!
So many thanks indeed.
Fiona myers
Email fclmyers@gmail.com
Hi, My great great grandmother, Sarah Grosset or Smith married Thomas Walter Smith on either 18 November 1867 or 13 December 1867 in Colombo. I am trying to find out further information eg location etc. I do not know how she ended up in Colombo but know that she was previously married to a Robert Smith, in 1861 in Edinburgh and they had a daughter Mary. He was a soldier based at Edinburgh Castle in the 78th Highlanders. I assume Sarah and Mary went to Ceylon with Robert, if he was posted there. I also assume Robert Smith was killed in Ceylon so Sarah, with a young child, married Thomas Walter Smith.
If anyone can shed any light on any of these events and give me further information, that would be fantastic.
I am trying to put together a family tree on my fathers side . I believe my father passed away in or near Colombo approx 6 or 7 years ago. I lost contact over 30 years ago . My father was Ranjit Evelyn Wijesinha. dob 12/6/39 student at St Thomas’s College . Mount Lavinia. He came to London in the 1960’s to study, where he met my mother ( Rosemary Hicks) . I was born in London in 1966 & my sister in 1972.My parents divorced. He remarried Pushpa Wijesinha & they had a downs child Rowan Wijesinha in about 1986 in England. He returned to Mount Lavinia. My Grandmother was Evelyn Wijesinha. Nee Herat . She was was born around 1917 , but died November 1975 . She had 2 brothers Eric & Ernie Herat. My Grandfather was Raj Wijesinha . I believe he was born around January 1909 & died Around December 1991. The family home was 16 Siripala Road Mount Lavinia. My father was an only child, but I believe he had many cousins on my Grandfathers side. I believe Gladys Perera was a head teacher near Mount Lavinia.I visited her school in June 1975. She was the mother of Fred Perea a well known Nerosurgeon in Mount Lavina. I think she was my fathers cousin. A Shanti Perera in Mount Lavinia was Also a cousin of my fathers. I would be grateful for any help .
Hello Sarah….My Brother just showed me your note about your father… Ranjit was my first cousin and we were jjust an year apart in age and we virtually grew up together.My dad was Sri Wijesinha your grandfather Raj’s brother,. Some time in the Seventies on one of my visits to England I had the pleasure of coming to your home i believe in Yorkshire . That was the only time I caught up with Ranjit i the UK..
I did subsequently meet up with hm in Kandy where he if I remember ran a Guest House… Sadly that was the last time i met with him.Subsequently Shanthi Perera told me Ranjit had passed away
I have lived in Miami Florida since 1975 and as of today I am visiting with my brother Alex in Baltimore Maryland because today October 6th is my Mother’s 102 Birthday!!!!!
I return to Miami on Wednesday October 11th and i would appreciate it if you send me your email address and we can keep in touch..My email is shirleypw1@bellsouth.net.
Kind Regards and best wishes,,,and I very much like to hear from you
Shirley Wijesinha Miami Florida phone 305 335 2372 c and home phone 305 661 8855
correction: my cell is 3053352373 not 3053352372 sorry for the mistake.
I want to contact you very badly..once I tell you the reason you will understand…I just search your parents name but I didn’t expect any results… I’m so happy and excited….If it helps I’m your blood relative….
Hello Shera Imoshi, how do we contact you?
Hi there – I’m looking for information on a Zeno Alexander De Rosayro and Aileen C Bartels (they were married).
Also anything on the Siriname surname – Albert G or Donald Q’s ancestors, specifically.
Hi Rachel, my mother was Zeno’s youngest sister. What info specifically are you seeking?
cheers
Arlen
Good day,
I am trying to locate an original copy of my Sr Lankan marriage certificate.
I have the English translated copy but have lost the native version.
I was married at the Triton Hotel, Ahungalla, in the Province of Galle on 11th September 1997.
The serial No: 537199
Can you assist in helping me acquire this document?
You can try here: https://gic.gov.lk/gic/index.php/en/component/info/?id=355&catid=50&task=info
I’m not sure how to get it if you’re overseas as I guess you have to provide some identification of yours. You can contact them and see
Hello
Do you have any information on the De Fry family.
I am Pauline De Fry. All I know is that my grandfather came from Ceylon. I am visiting Sri Lanka on 6 January for a seven week stay and if it were possible I would like to see where my ancestors came from.
Do see our SEARCH facility on http://www.kabristan.org.uk he could be there.
I am trying to locate a Ruwani Fernando who was born on September 25th 1968 to Layard and Gnani Fernando. I have not seen her since 1987 and when I last saw her they were living in Colombo 6. I don’t know if she married or whether she is still living in Sri Lanka. I know that she moved to Australia and the United Arab Emirates sometime after 1987 but she may have returned. The only other information I have for her is her last known address in Sri Lanka and that her father was an aircraft engineer. I have written to her last known address with no response. Please tell me if there is a website I could search. We have written to the governments of all 3 countries with no responses.
We don’t hold recent birth/baptismal records so I have posted your query on Genealogy Sri Lanka in the hope that someone may be able to help you.
Hello- I’m looking for the death or burial of Ellen Julia (Nellie) Brown in Colombo. Last heard of leaving the UK in Oct 1921 and definitely dead by 1925. She lived in the Kolpetty area, husband William Hastings Brown.
I was born in Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, on the 29th of June 1953 in a hospital in Negombo, Columbo. I was born to British parents serving the Admiralty (now GCHQ). Im wondering if the Sir Lankan authoritys have any record of the event ? Many thanks for any advice.
Ihave given the name and e.mail as stated.
I am interested in finding out about my GGG Grandfather James Atwell who was a British Army Soldier in the 58th Regiment of Foot.I believe the following details are accurate:
He was born about 1802 in Cavan County Ireland.
He enlisted in the British Army in Killesandra Ireland in 1820
He married Mary Ann (unknown maiden name) in Killesandra Ireland in 1820
He was stationed in Canada with 58th Foot Soldiers from 1822 (according to ‘Canada British Regimental Register of Service 1756 – 1900’)
By 1828 he returned to England where his first Daughter Mary was born in Portsmouth England in 1828.
By 1830 he was stationed in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) with 58th Regiment of Foot (according to ‘Military – International Ceylon Database)
His first Son James was born in Ceylon in 1830.
Between 1832 and 1840 he had 5 more children born in Ceylon.
The 58th Regiment left Ceylon in 1838.
James, Mary and family remained in Ceylon. His youngest son Samuel (born in 1840), married in Ceylon in 1863.
What I don’t know is when and where James & Mary Ann died.
Any information or quotation you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Baptism of George william Harrison son of Thomas george Harrison George william was born in1873 mothers name not known 3 sisters to another mother and same father mothers name Catherine Pereira these 3 girls were baptized in1888 at st pauls pettah there names wereJane Elizabeth 28, 11 ,1879
Alice Evelyn 27, 12, 1883
Mohl Victoria 26 10 1887all3 were baptized on easter sunday 1888 i requested for the certificatesas i viewed them personelly at the Bishops house its almost 5months and they have not replyed i need marriage certificate aswell and any information of my great grand Thomas george.
Hi Trudy.
There are a couple of entries in the Ferguson Directories for a T.G. Harrison. In the 1880s he is recorded as a Carriage Hirer in New Bazaar, Colombo. Later at the Fibre Mills, Wattale. There is a report in the 1894 Ceylon Observer of a serious accident to a Mr. Tom Harrison, proprietor of the Fibre Mills at Wattale, his right forearm being crushed in some machinery. He was taken to New Bazaar for medical treatment.
The 1893 Ferguson Directory has a G. William Harrison as an Under Guard at Kandy. There are likely to be additional references too.
Hello
I’m looking for information on my grandfather’s background.
He name was Roy Patrick Perera. He was a police officer in Colombo until his death in 1953.
I wanted to know more about his background. Mum said he was of Portuguese burgher descent but not sure.
Thanks.
Dear Chris,
I live in France but I was born in Malaysia in 1951 but I have now a Nederlands nationality.
I am looking for my Father’s ancestors who had Dutch origins.My grandmother who was a Dutch Burgher with the name o Lillian Van Arkadie(or Arcadie)was born in August 1885.Her father9my greatgrandfather)was called James Van Arkadie and her mother Fredica Charlotte.
Do you have anybody with those names registered in your church?
Lillian Van Arkadie was married to Mr,Arumugan Rajah.Whether they were married in Ceylon or in Malaysia ..I am not sure.They had 5 children who were born in Malaysia.One of their sons,my father was named Rajah Viswanathan.
Looking forward to hear from you.
Mrs,E.Viswanathan Tetteroo
Hi Esther, I believe Lillian was the daughter of James John Van Arkadie and Frederica Charlotte Abraham. They had another daughter Caroline who married Alexander de Zilva in 1893 at St Sebastian’s Church, Hultsdorf, Western Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka, and they went on to have several children. David Mason has done some amazing research in this area https://gw.geneanet.org/dmmason?lang=en&n=van+arkadie&oc=0&p=james+john&type=tree Hope this helps 🙂
There are a Francis M, Charles Salman and Phillip T ARUMUGAM based in KL, Malaysia mentioned in David Mason’s research, not sure if a link as spellings can easily get mixed up in historic records? https://gw.geneanet.org/dmmason?lang=en&n=arumugam&oc=0&p=francis+m&type=tree
I am looking for any information about my husband’s family, his father’s name was Thomas Daniels born approximately April 20,1902 in Sri Lanka to Abraham and Elizabeth Daniels in either Kandy or Colombo,the family was Hindu and either owned or worked on a tea plantation and a shipping company, I know Thomas Daniels had a cousin Roger,don’t know his last name, they both left Sri Lanka for the UK as teenagers and then eventually for the US, I have unable to find any records of their travels.I would like to know if there are any relatives still in Sri Lanka, or any records of the Daniels Family and what happened to them.
Regards
Merle Daniels
My great grandfather (on my father’s mother’s side) was Egbert Ebenezer Ford who probably left (the then) Ceylon in the 1890’s to work in Malaysia. He was employed by The Times of Ceylon and went on to manage newspapers in Malaysia. He married in a catholic church in Malaysia.
Ive made some assumptions – he was born in Sri Lanka (but i don’t know when – maybe 1860-70’s), he was possibly Catholic, I don’t know whether he was a European or Sri Lankan, he can be connected to other Sri Lankan families that also moved to Malaysia – and I know he played cricket from his obituary and newspaper clippings form Malaysia. Unfortunately i know nothing more of his family and Sri Lankan background. Can anyone help?
Thanks – David Powell
Hi
I am trying so hard to find any information on my Grandfather and Grandmother
Grandfather was John Henry keig lived in Sri Lanka around the 1920s and was married to
Sivil Pym.
John was a 3rd mate on the S.S Collier?? Could have been from the UK.
Would really appreciate if you could help on how to trace.
Thanks and look forward to any help.
Pam Cramer
Hi. Looking for the birth/baptism record (circa 1800) of Angelina Kersse. She married Ernest Godlieb Schultsz in 1815 at Trincomalee and then Louis Mattheus Maartensz in 1827. She is probably a great-granddaughter of Gerrardus Kersse (Dissave of Matara) and Susanna Petronella van de Rondewerken. I have traced their family as far forward as I can but have hit dead ends on multiple branches around that time. Any ideas? Thanks.
Hello Eileen, I am looking for my great great grandfather Christopher de Silva, his wife’s name Mary Margaret, (unknown surname) both from Ceylon. (possibly Galle or Kandy). Christopher de Silva was a Doctor of Medicine. Their son Richard Thomas de Silva, born 9 December 1846 in Ceylon, came to New Zealand by or before 1880. He left Ceylon and travelled to America and possibly departed from England before coming to New Zealand. Richard had a brother called Andrayas de Silva, born 8 April 1843 in Ceylon and died 20 November 1898 in Ceylon. There is a handwritten name of a place where Andrayas died in Ceylon, but I cannot make out the name. I can email you the details of this, you may recognize it.
I have search the Kabristan Archives and spent countless hours trying to trace my family in Ceylon.
I am hoping you can help me .
Many thanks
Jocelyn Le Noel (de Silva)
Hello Eileen
I am looking for information on my g.g.grandfather Thomas Mulholland who came to Ceylon and married Sarah Hewett in 1850 in St Pauls Church, Kandy. I was told that he was in the military. Do you have any British military records for people who came to Ceylon? I am looking for information on his parents, where he came from etc.as he has not provided this information to the church. He was a widower at the time he got married to Sarah.
I hope you can help me.
Thanks
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer, have you had any luck finding any other informationon Thomas and Sarah? I’m also trying to find out info on them both. Sarah and Thomas are my 2nd Great Grandparents. I have their marriage date as 3 Dec 1850 in Kandy.
Regards,
Chris
Hello Eileen,
Further to your email, please see my request below.
My great great Grandfather was Simon Alexander Perera born on 29/02/1852, burgher, roman catholic, probably lived around Kotahena, Mutuwal, Colombo, Ceylon area. He Married Cecilia Emily Jansz born 16/03/1860. I am trying to find Simon Alexander Perera’s parents.
His son was Peter John Perera dob unknown married Clara E (H)oldenbottel born 04/08/1893. I am trying to trace Peter’s birth certificate and date of birth.
I have birth certificate of Peters son and his son. I also have names of Peter’s siblings.
Thanks
I am trying to learn more about my ancestors who were tea planters in Ceylon in the 19th century.
They were two brothers –
King Hermann Plumridge and Preston James Hanway Plumridge.
I am also searching for their niece and her husband – Gladys Milward and Walter Henry Brymer.
The Plumridge brothers and Brymer were tea planters.
I think King Hermann died in Ceylon in about 1920 but can’t find any information. (His parents – Georgeana Skinner and Admiral James Hanway Plumridge – were married in Ceylon in 1849.)
Gladys Brymer died in Ceylon in 1945. I can’t find anything about her husband, W H Brymer.
Hi Susan,
King Herman Plumridge was my maternal grandfather. His daughter, Mai Plumridge was my mother.
Hi Jennifer!
I just happened upon this page again and am so excited to connect with you! My great great uncle was married to Enid Susan Plumridge – his name was Edwin Oswald Milward.
She was King Hermann’s Sister.
I have a family blog and did quite a bit of reasearch on them and their daughter, Gladys Milward Brymer.
I also did some research on your grandfather but I never found anything about his having married. I would be so honored if you would like to read what I have written and, if possible, correct whatever I might have gotten wrong.
By any chance, do you have any pictures?
This post is about Enid & Edwin – it is a very tragic story –
https://ennistymon.blogspot.com/2017/10/six-degrees-of-separation_26.html
Then, I wrote two posts about their daughter, Gladys – She led a FASCINATING life!
https://ennistymon.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-tea-planters-wife.html
https://ennistymon.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-tea-planters-wife-part-two.html
PLEASE get back to me when you have a chance!
I would love it if you contacted me directly so I won’t miss connecting with you again.
Doverdevo@aol.com
Where do you live?
I am in San Diego in California.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Susan Reilly DeVore
Hmmmmm
I just wrote a long, detailed reply to you, Jennifer Swami, but it doesn’t seem to have been sent. So, I’m going to write it again.
I just noticed your message and am very happy to meet your acquaintance! King Hermann’s sister, Enid Susan, married my 2nd great uncle, Edwin Oswald Milward.
I did quite a bit of research of their lives and their daughter – Gladys Milward Brymer – for my family blog and I would appreciate it very much if you had a chance to read what I have written and let me know what I might have gotten correct and what I might have gotten wrong.
This post is about Enid & Edwin –
https://ennistymon.blogspot.com/2017/10/six-degrees-of-separation_26.html
These two posts are about Gladys –
https://ennistymon.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-tea-planters-wife.html
https://ennistymon.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-tea-planters-wife-part-two.html
Gladys led a fascinating life but faced tragedy, too
Here is the blog –
https://ennistymon.blogspot.com
My email address is doverdevo@aol.com
Are you in touch with your Brymer relatives?
I live in San Diego, California. Where are you?
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Susan Reilly DeVore
Have you received my emails?
He died 4/9/1929 General Hospital Colombo
International Ceylon Database
Is anyone moderating this page?
Looks like there has been no contact since December 2016.
If you have not received any replies from the general public it would mean that no-one is able to help you.
Eileen Hewson FRGS The Kabristan Archives
I am visiting Sri lanka on holiday for 2 weeks from 12th Feb until 23rd Feb 2018. My grandfather was born at the Taprobane Estate and my great grandfather ran other estates for over 40 years in the area.
I believe that my great grandfather, WH Morrison, was buried at St. Margaret’s Church in April 1916 and wonder whether there is a memorial or record of this at the church and whether I would be able to visit?
many thanks,
Trudy
Hmmmmm
I just wrote a long, detailed reply to you, Jennifer Swami, but it doesn’t seem to have been sent. So, I’m going to write it again.
I just noticed your message and am very happy to meet your acquaintance! King Hermann’s sister, Enid Susan, married my 2nd great uncle, Edwin Oswald Milward.
I did quite a bit of research of their lives and their daughter – Gladys Milward Brymer – for my family blog and I would appreciate it very much if you had a chance to read what I have written and let me know what I might have gotten correct and what I might have gotten wrong.
This post is about Enid & Edwin –
https://ennistymon.blogspot.com/2017/10/six-degrees-of-separation_26.html
These two posts are about Gladys –
https://ennistymon.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-tea-planters-wife.html
https://ennistymon.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-tea-planters-wife-part-two.html
Gladys led a fascinating life but faced tragedy, too
Here is the blog –
https://ennistymon.blogspot.com
My email address is doverdevo@aol.com
Are you in touch with your Brymer relatives?
I live in San Diego, California. Where are you?
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Susan Reilly DeVore
Hi
I am looking for information on my great grandfather, Andreas William Kemps(z) who lived in Matara Sri Lanka, a lawyer circa 1840-1870. Also my grandfather Edward William Kemps born circa 1873/4 (?), lived in Matara, Matale and Dehiwela,
Many thanks
I have posted your query hopefully someone may be able to help.
Regards
Eileen Hewson FRGS
Hello,
Hope this forum is still active. I’m having trouble tracing my Sri Lankan ancestors past there entry into Australia. Also there is a lot of confusion about names and the spelling of names. The two families I am tracing are Hermonis and Sara Anna Wanetonge/Winitong who arrived in Australia about 1882. Sara Anna’s Death Certificate state her parents names as Louis Appo and Lucy Harni. Secondly I’m tracing Kallu/Call Appoo who was son-in-law to Hermonis and Sara Anna, married to their daughter Sarah Wanetonge born in Kandy about 1870. Kallu is said to be one of the “Devonshire 500” also arriving in Australia around 1882. Kallu Death Certificate gives his parents names as Mattis and Eliza Appo. Adding extra confusion to the matter is the different use of Appo and Appoo, is this just two different spellings of the same name or two different names? One extra matter is a family rumour the Kallu originally had a different name altogether and that he changed it to assimilate more easily in Australia. The surname that has been passed down through the family is Karva Tarna or something like that, this if from oral history only. I would appreciate any help in linking us back to our Sri Lankan heritage.
My apologies that should read Lucy Anna Wanetonge.
I am trying to find out any information on one of my ancestors Henry Thambiah Forman who acted Registrar of Lands in 1936.
Hi,
Appo or Appoo is usually a title for cook or chef. Also, the name Wanetonge could be a misspelling of the name Wanathunga (or Wanathunge). Kallu could be a nickname usually used for very dark-skinned natives. Just my opinion only.
Hello,
My great, great grandfather’s name was Louis De Cabral Wijetunge. He was born probably in the mid or late 1800. He was a ships Candler. He was married to Ranasinghe Mudalige Sarah. The family lived in a home named “Selby House,” in Colpetty Colombo, Ceylon. I would like to find out more about him. Please let me know where I can look for the names and information of Ships Chandlers at that time. I would greatly appreciate your help.
Thank you.
Gita. Jayewardene
Hello,
I am looking for my ancestors born and some married in Ceylon.
William James Moss or James William Moss married to Mary Vander Straaten or Margaret. They had children by the names of Alice Moss, Lydia Moss, George Moss (Dr George) and James William Moss. James William Moss married Sophia C and had children by the names of Arnold H Moss and James William Moss.
The Years for the first William James Moss would be between 1820 to 1850 birth and marriage and the next would be between 1850 to 1886 birth and marriage and the next 1886 onwards
Any help is highly appreciated
Thank You
Wesley Fraser
Hello
I have been trying to find out more about the death of Annie Eliza Maria Hammond at the age of 4 years 9 months. She was the daughter of my great-grandfather, Master Gunner Alfred Simon Hammond,who was based at Fort Frederick at the time. Where would death certificates of children of those serving in the military be held? I’ve already searched all the usual genealogy websites and the National Archives.
Also I have in my possession a letter from someone at the R E Office, Fort Frederick dated 21 November 1897 to my great-grandfather (Annie’s father) about the arrangements for a headstone, so wonder where this would be now. I know that Annie was buried on 23 February 1894 at St Stephen’ Church, Trincamolee, and I know that St Stephen’s Church was bombed during WW2 and never rebuilt, but does the graveyard and/or the headstone still exist?
John ‘Haniford’ WARD (birth 1829 • Plymouth, Devon, England death SEP 1898 • Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand) is my 3rd great-grandfather.
John married:
Mary BLAKE (birth 1841 • Guernsey, Channel Islands death 1908 • Auckland, New Zealand) on 01 Dec 1858 • St Paul’s Church Kandy Ceylon Sri Lanka.
Their son was:
Jasper Haniford Ward (birth 1867 • Ceylon death 1940 • Auckland, New Zealand)
I have received an email from one of his descendants on another family branch, and they quote:
“I found a reference that a planter named John Ward sold his 200 acres to one Thomas Lipton.”
They do not include this, or where it can be referenced to. (I am not even sure if it is the same John WARD).
I now have two daughters of my own, and I am keen to learn more about my heritage so that I can teach them how life once was compared to how we live today.
I would be grateful for any further information that you might be able to provide on John ‘Haniford’ WARD, Mary BLAKE, Jasper Haniford WARD, how they came to be in Ceylon, their life there, how they came to leave (and end up in New Zealand).
I am trying to get a picture of their life to pass on to my daughters.
I appreciate any information and help that you may be able to offer.
Hi Scott,
I have some pictures and info about Jasper and his Father, please email me
Hello Eileen, I’m searching for any details of my great, great grandfather William Anolas. All we know is that he was a sailor, born in Ceylon in approximately 1845
My Grand mother was Emily Elizabeth Jansz b 26 September 1877 d 9 July 1951 Colombo. She married Arthur Alexander Ferdinands b 20 October 1872 Galle d 15 September 1945 Colombo. Would like to know the names of their parents.
I am searching for any information regarding my maternal Grandmother Mary Cameron, apparently from Matale who gave birth to my mother approx 4 March 1941. My mother Rita Doris, was adopted through the Salvation Army by Percy and ‘Dottie’ Nelson who lived in Colombo. Any information, birth certificates etc would be greatly appreciated.
Hi,
I am looking for the mother’s name of my great-grandfather, Alfred Anthony Swiney (also spelt Sweeney), born in Kandy circa 9/05/1858.
He married on 21st April 1898 at St Mary’s Church in Galle. Died on 26th October 1944.
Any information will be greatly appreciated!
Hi, I would be most grateful for any assistance in locating a marriage record for John emmanual Apoo. (Catholic) I have no approx date however one of his offspring John Jacobus was born in 1822.
Kindest regards
Glenda Cornish
Hi,
I want to locate a birth or marriage certificate of James Palliya Guruge (Could be Devundara Palliya James Guruge) Birth – 1901 Death – 1944, married to a Dallie (Not known of last names)
I am looking for any information on my maternal great grandfather’. S. Miguel Fernando born 1896. I do not hv dtls of whom he married or his date of death. He had a son Manuel Joseph Fernando who married numbicky susai Maria miranda (my grandparents) he also had two daughters Rosamma and Bridget.. He had a drapery/tailoring establishment on Main Street Colombo named S Miguel Fernando.
Any details of my great grandfather would be much appreciated. Thank you
Researching Mackenzie.
Looking for any info about Caroline Caines Murray Mackenzie. Born apprx 1884 possibly Kandy Ceylon.
Father either John Peter or Peter John Mackenzie, beleived to have been a plantaion manager.
That I’m afraid is all I know. Would be most appreciative of any info to allow to progress this line.
Thanks Jan
Hi Eileen
I am in search of ancestry on my late mothers side. Her name was Madge Jansz, born in Ceylon about 1914??. She married Malcolm Christopher Fitzgerald Francke dob 08/08/1914.
Madges sister was Primrose Marguerite (Lobendhan) born 11/10/1924. Brothers were Horrace, Dunbar, Earl & Terrence. Madge’s mother was a Jansz married Jansz.
Hi Eileen
I’m hoping to find information about Anna Malvina Brittain born 8 Nov 1849 & died 20 Feb 1933. She married Wilfred Vanden Driesen. Her parents I believe were William Brittain & Mary Ann Carolin Lisk.
In fact if you are able to confirm her parents I’d be much more interested in their details such birth, death, marriage dates & hopefully their parents.
Thank you so much look forward to hearing from you.
Kylie 🙂
Hello Eileen or whoever runs this site.
I request help with discovering whether the Ceylon labour commissioner Norman Rowsell (1855-1919) of Abbotsleigh estate and his wife Florence nee Congreve had a third child. While in Sri Lanka I saw a contemporary report that says they did but it did not name the third child and I only have records of their first two children: Vere Norman Rowsell who was born 15 August 1887 at Abbotsleigh, and Esme Maud Rowsell who was born about 1891 presumably also in Sri Lanka since that is where her parents lived at the time.
Family letters refer to a possible third child, a daughter who they refer to as Bunnie which might be a nickname for Bernice. Her birthday is on 20th May and I think she was born in Sri Lanka in 1898. I know she was married and lived with her husband in India during WW1 but I do not know who her husband was or whether they married in India or Ceylon. Their first child was named Bill (William) and was born before 1918.
I would appreciate any help identifying the Bunnie or the exact DOB of Esme.
Thanks in advance!
Good Morning,
I am looking for info on my Grandfather’s death date in Kandy, Ceylon, his name is Alexander Edwin Misso, born 1896 in Colombo, passed away in Kandy about 1966/67, he is a catholic and buried in the catholic section in Kandy.
hi i am looking following details
wilfred martin de silva wijegunawardana samaraweera rajapaksa
Ramald Albert mendis karanarathna
year of born and date of decesed
HI,
I’m from Sri Lanka and am building our family tree which now has 311 members. I’ve gone up to my Great Grand Father Daniel DIdloff Kroon who was born in 1834 in Puttalam, Sri Lanka (then Ceylon). He had 5 children, one of which was my grandfather James Gregory Kroon who was appointed a Registrar in the Puttalam General Hospital. I’m looking for descendants of the other 4 children and any Kroons originating in Ceylon. I also have information that the original Kroon came to Ceylon from Germany and I’m trying to establish this person. Would really appreciate any information. Thanks
I started building the Kroon family tree which now has 311 members. I got most of the names through Google and Facebook, if it’s of any help to those in this forum looking to find their roots
Hi,
Another good place to search is the Cairns Family History website: https://cdfhs.org/indexes/british-ceylon-ancestry/ceylon-civil-service-widow-orphan-fund-applications-index/
If any of your ancestors joined the Widow & Orphan Fund in Sri Lanka, they will probably be able to help. Just type in the required name and any available records will show up. Cairns charge a small fee to send you the complete record along with pictures of the original entries. Thanks
Received the following from Richard Talbot (Ancestry Tree: Talbot of Stone Castle):
SERAPHINA DONCLERE: The mysterious Seraphina Donclere was my 3rd great grandmother. She had a relationship with my 3rd great grandfather Lt-Col Dunbar James Hunter of the 19th Regiment of Foot aka “The Green Howards” in Ceylon from about 1800 to his death in 1803. They had one child my 2nd great grandmother Charlotte Hunter who was born in Trincomalee in 1802. However I have never found in my brief research another “Donclere” anywhere in the world! This cannot be a unique surname. One possible clue is that in Ceylon (first colonized by the Portuguese, then the Dutch then the British) the Portuguese honorific title prefix “Dom”, originally applied to nobles and churchmen, caught on in Ceylon by undergoing a slight change to “Don” to precede the proper names of local men including Singhalese (aka “Indiacatos”) mixed race (aka “Mestiços”) or pure Portuguese (aka “Castiços”). Many of these families were known as “Burghers” (as in Holland). So could my “Donclere” really be “Don Clere”? If so the “Clere” name could come from anywhere in the world as Ceylon in 1800 was a huge “melting pot” of nationalities. Can anyone else find another “Donclere”?
Hi..
I am searching information/details about my great grand father Álfred Ashbourne’
husband to Jane Elizabeth Newman, father of Richard Ashbourne (Born 1919)
If you do have any info or leads, kindly let me know.
Would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Greetings to you,
I too would like to ask for some assistance locating information on a few family members as well please. I have been accessing Ceylon Tamils genealogical website and have been finding quite a bit of information.
I found my great grand mother for instance, her name being Lena Rajaratnam. Unfortunately, there was no information regarding her parents other than surnames. Her grandparents though are identified as Anthony Babapulle and Rita Brito.
I found my great grand father also (they were married), his name being Joseph Nicholas Cecil Tiruchelvam MBE. Unfortunately there was no information regarding his parents other than the father’s surname, Tiruchelvam. There is also mention of a sibling who is unidentified as well and named just Tiruchelvam.
I am hoping that someone might be able to assist me by filling in the blanks.
Thank you,
Hello..
I am searching information/details about my great grand father Álfred Ashbourne’
husband to Jane Elizabeth Newman, father of Richard Ashbourne (Born 1919)
They married at St’ Lukes Church in Borella Sri Lanka in 1911
If you do have any info or leads, kindly let me know.
Would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Shane
Hi I am looking for any information or archive pertaining to Renee Rita Mildred Fernando last known to live in Bolivia, Columbo.
If you have any information you can share with me this would be very much appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you
Hi everyone, I am looking for my great grandmother’s. She died young and that is why no one seems to know her name. She was married to my great grandfather, Swarisge Gabriel Valentine Swaris Senaratne and he worked for the Surveyor Department. They lived in Panadura in Sri Lanka and had 5 children. My grandfather was Donald Stanley Swaris Senaratne, born 13th January 1914. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Hi. I’ve purchased the marriage and burial records for George Pears in St Paul’s in Kandy, which is great and helped me greatly. Would you have any other records for George Pears that I could purchase to help me identify who is parents were or where he came from?
Many Thanks
I am researching my family history for the Moyden side of my family. My great grandfather is John Moyden. His father, I believe was named Madrissa Moyden, who came to Thursday Island and worked as a “Waterman”. John Moyden married Carrie Moyden nee McKenzie.
Roger Slemmermann.I am trying find the Slemmermann family tree as I heard that the Slemmermann landed in Jaffan.Can you please help me.
Hello from Pennsylvania!
I would like to uncover any information about the two wives of Henry Edward Annesley Young. I believe the first was named “Kudda Elina Hany” or something similar, and that they were married c.1844.
The second was named Helena Perera and that marriage would have taken place c.1856
Any information appreciated!
Further to my earlier post re Donclere, Hunter and Anderson:
I have two 3rd great grandmothers who were from “Burgher” families in Ceylon around 1800:
1: Seraphina Donclere who had a relationship with my 3rd great grandfather Lt-Col Dunbar Hunter of 19th Foot. He commanded Trincomalee 1800-1803. They had one daughter Charlotte Hunter who is my 2nd great grandmother. Colonel Hunter died in 1803 and is buried in Pettah Burial Grounds, Colombo.
2: Julia (Juliana?) who had a relationship with my 3rd great grandfather Capt Thomas Ajax Anderson also of 19th Foot. He was in Trincomalee and Colombo. They had two daughters. One, Julia Anderson, was my 2nd great grandmother.
Any information on either 3rd great grandmothers’ family most appreciated.
Richard Talbot
Vancouver Island
Hi there, I’m looking for a land proprietor and businessman by the name of of John Perera Wijeyesinghe. He was my great, grandfather and I’d like to know his father’s Name. They were from Kandy, Radhala cast. Any information is welcome. Thank you
Hi Tanya,
I am also interested in a couple families of Wijeyesinghes who were based in Kandy. For instance, a J. A. Wijeyesinghe of Kandy, a J. C. Wijeyesinghe of Kandy, among others. I am unsure if they are from the same family that you are researching, but perhaps we should connect and have a chat?
Hello, I am looking for any records you may have relating to Edward Samuel LaBrooy who lived in Slave Island in Colombo. I have found information relating to many other LaBrooys, but not his parents. We estimate his birth around 1855. He married Jane Gauder in around 1872. His children included Edith Caroline/Constance LaBrooy from whom I am descended. He was a clerk, probably in the East India company.
Thank you very much for any help you might be able to give us.
Re.Arumoogan Paramanantham died 29/7/1917
I volunteer for a project called In from The Cold and we work to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to try and locate the as yet unknown graves or cremation location of UK service personnel.
Does anyone know where such a site might be in respect of the above?
He was born c.1888 in Jaffna. He was educated at Central College, Jaffna and Trinity College, Kandy and then came to England as an Engineering student where he was in 1911 (census) before enlisting in the Royal Bucks Hussars on 29/10/1914.
He served overseas but was discharged from the Army on 15/4/1916 and left England on 15/9/1916 on S.S.Mongolia for Colombo.
We have no record where he died but possibly in Jaffna.
Does anyone have any knowledge about him, especially where he might be buried or was cremated?
With many thanks,
Charlie Watson
Hello there, my great great grandfather Isaiah Birt Biss married Louisa Ann Holmes 5 Oct 1829 in Calcutta. Louisa was born in Ceylon 1812, https://swetenham.org/getperson.php?personID=I7278&tree=1 . Does anyone have information about Louisa or the Holmes family in Sri Lanka of that date?
Hello, I’m looking for information about my great grandfather, William Percival Cornelius De Alwis. He was a doctor and no information about him exists after about 1910. If anyone has information about him, please let me know.
HI,
My Great Grandfather Captain Henry Charles Bloomfield was harbour master at Point de Galle from 1900 to 1915. He died in Ceylon on 29th June 1915. His funeral, I believe was arranged and paid for by the freemasons.
My husband and I are Visiting Sri Lanka in February and I was hoping to find his grave if it was at all possible but have no idea where he was buried. I have contacted the freemasons but have currently had no joy.
My grandmother, Gertrude Corless Bloomfield, was born in Sri Lanka too and I have been unable to trace her birth certificate
I would be delighted to hear from anyone who is able to help me trace any of my family history
Many thanks
Alison
I have noticed several comments in posts about The Ceylon Observer other equivalwent ones and would love to access this paper as I have direct family lines living in
Sri Lanka which was
ceylon from about 1840 thru to 1939., coffee planters, surveyors and colonial office, by name VINER and WEDDERBURN.
How us this paper accessed online please?
Charles Alfred George Ferguson is who I am searching for. He was born 15 Oct 1900, we believe at Gampola.
He was the father of my son’s 97 year old grandmother.
His father was a Mr Ferguson, from Scotland or England, who was stationed in Ceylon and died in the Boer War around the time his son was born.
As his father had died, Charles Alfred George Ferguson became the ward of a Scotsman, Mr Walter C Lyde, who saw that he was educated at an Anglican school and treated him as though he were his own son, ultimately leaving him his tea estate in the Waga area. Charles Alfred George Ferguson worked at Waga Estate, and built his own house at Kadugoda Kande. He had seven children: the boys were sent to a Christian school and the girls boarded at a convent in Colombo. He died in 1977 and was buried at his family plot adjacent to his own land.
I am trying to locate information on a family member.
We only know her name as F S S Gibson, we think Gibson is her married name. We think she married a tea planter called James Gibson around 1987 in Ceylon. They had two children in 1889 and 1891 I know about the children.
Has anyone got any ideas about how I can obtain a marriage record or a birth record for one of the children, is that possible?
Any help would be really appreciated.
Hello!
I am in pursuit of an ancestor by the name of John Rodrigo.
From my end, his DOB and country of origin are unknown, but I am led to believe he may have been a Burgher from Dutch or British Ceylon during the late 1700s. I do know, however, that he died in Bermuda (my motherland) in 1837.
Other curious facts about John Rodrigo: He was listed as “coloured” on Bermudian records, but was also in possession of slaves. He married a lady named Alice Elizabeth Smith (b. 1793) in Bermuda in 1820. His surname, “Rodrigo,” is of Latin origin, but he lived (and died) in Bermuda well before the first documented migrations from Romance-speaking Europeans to the island. Plus, it appears his surname has a much higher incidence in Sri Lanka than any other country.
It is all speculation from here, but if anyone knows where to find a John Rodrigo with a story that is parallel with my information, I would be deeply grateful.
I am trying to find information on Charles Gunn, I have VERY little to go on, but here it goes.
Charles Gunn
Daughter Charlotte Gunn was born 24 April 1809, Colombo, Christened 1809 St Peters Church, Colombo. Mother names Elizabeth ( No maiden name)
Other information on certificate, states Charles was a Serjeant. ( rank, spelt this way)
Royal Artillery 6th Battalion.
Signature of adjutant that the registry is correct, Major Carmichael’s Co.
Chaplin, Rev T.J Twistleton
I have a copy of her birth certificate, ( GRO Regimental Birth Indices Supplement (1761 to 1924)
Charlotte married William Merrill ( 16th Reg of foot and 9 years her senior) , 18 Apr 1825, St Peters Church, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
No certificate sited, Source from info given in Howick Anglican Census 1855, New Zealand.
Interestingly her father and mother information was blank, dob matched perfectly.
Charlotte had several children with her husband, born in Colombo and Bengal with 2 others unconfirmed.
I have no idea what nationality Charles was, no dob or which regiment he served with, have assumed British born but may not be of course.
Please help me break this brick wall of my 5th Great Grandfather Charles Gunn
I m looking for any information about my biological mother Beatrice Robertson. I was born in 1955.
I m looking for an ancestor by the name of Beatrice Robertson in the 1950 . I have no other information. Would love to know if someone knows anything about her.
Hello
I am searching for records of
Mary Cameron, married to Charles de Silva .
Her parents were David Stuart Cameron (died 1959 in Colombo) and Ms Pakiam apparently. I do not have any other dates but her brother John Alexander was born in 1908 in SL. She had 5 siblings. Mary is possibly my maternal grand mother and I’d would really appreciate any information you may have.
Hello,
I am the granddaughter of John Alexander Cameron. I met my great aunt Mary on a trip to Sri Lanka when I was in my late teens. Mary has a daughter who is still living in the US. My father lives in Sri Lanka and may be able to provide more information.
I have also been researching my own family history and I am interested in finding out more about Ms Pakiam as we know very little about her. In my grandfather’s obituary, she was referred to as “Esther Abraham”.
I’m searching for information on my family who immigrated to Australia in 1972 so I have no history of genealogy in Sri Lanka. My father ‘s name was Cedric Douglas Weerappah born 1939 and my mother Jean Barbara Brito born 1941. Would love any assistance as I don’t know where to start and have no information about my grandparents.
I can provide this info for you.
Hi there,
I’m looking for my grandfather who emigrated from Sri Lanka to London in the late 1950’s. His name was Leonard Dias Jayasinghe (spelling could be wrong) and he was born some time between 1920-1930 I believe. I also know he was married beforehand. Any details hugely appreciated!
I’m looking for information on my great grandfather, George McDonald who was tea estate owner. I’m sorry I do not have any information on him other than this.
You should try looking up the names of tea estate owners of Heritage Tea Factory of Nuwaraeliya. I feel like I remember seeing that name there, maybe it is in other estates.
You should try looking up the names of tea estate owners of Heritage Tea Factory of Nuwaraeliya. I feel like I remember seeing that name there, maybe it is in other estates.
I am trying to find anything on my husband’s Grandfather John Silva. He was a Merchant Seaman born in Ceylon, He lived in Deniliquin, New South Wales, Australia. He married in Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia in 1896, at this time he stated he was 28 years old. He Married Jessie Maud Juggernaut who was born in Beechworth, Victoria, Australia. John said his parents were John Silva a Farmer and Christina Harmy. I went through the Ceylon Records and could only find a marriage between Salomon De Silva + Christina Hamy. They had a son John Carel De Silva who was Baptised in 1858. in Columbo. I would like to find out the correct information, as people have changed my record of John to this entry.
I’m researching Annesley Young Daniel (1858–1949) (Wife Amelia McCarthy) who was an auctioneer in Ceylon. i’m trying to find out about his parents. he was my second G Grand father. Any information would be gratefully received.
There is a birth record for the son of Annesley and Amelia, which also contains details of the date and place of their marriage. More information here: https://kabristan.org.uk/kabristan-indexes/sri-lanka-indexes/138-sri-lanka-formerly-ceylon-births-baptisms-indexes/ceylon-births-baptisms-sri-lanka-kandy/ceylon-births-baptisms-sri-lanka-kandy-1877-1901/1911-kandy-st-paul-s-church-births-baptisms-marriages-1877-1901-d
Hey guys, I am trying to find more information on my great grandfather and great grandmother. My great grandfathers name was Don Nicholas Rajapaksha, so my mom says. I am really curious about the history of my family as I haven’t met any of my grandparents. Any information about him will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Hi, I am looking for information regarding my husband’s ancestor, Ruth Gray, born 19 Sep 1919 in Ceylon to Francis Rodney Gray also born in Ceylon and Rose Muriel Lynch born in Australia. I have found information on Francis Gray Widower of Kandy and Elizabeth Colin Thome Spinster of Kandy married in 1859 and had a son Francis Gray 1866 but I haven’t been able to definitively say that that is Ruth’s father. I would also like to find Ruth’s siblings. The information from Sri Lanka that I have found came from the listing on kabristan.org.uk under St Paul’s Church, Kandy Apr 1845 – Dec 1875. Can someone help direct me to the resource from 1875-~1920 that I need for Ruth Gray’s birth? I appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!
I am am currently in Sri Lanka until July 18 and am reaching out to kindly request your assistance in locating the burial sites of two children believed to be buried at Kanatte (Borella) Cemetery:
Barbara Dunsford – passed away on 21 March 1939, aged approximately 1 year and 3 months.
Rita Barbara Dunsford – passed away on 23 March 1939, aged approximately 3 years.
These records were reportedly seen in 2000 by a family friend, and I now wish to find their exact resting place. I would be very grateful if you could:
Provide any available grave plot or section details, and
If possible, assist with or arrange for a photograph of the headstone or burial site.
These two graves are sisters of my Mother. I deeply appreciate your time and assistance in helping us preserve this piece of our family history.
Regards
Dianne Melder
I’m in the process of researching my grandfather who moved here to London, England in the mid 1950’s. His name was Leonard Herman Dias Jayasinha and he died around Sept 1967 (he was early 40’s).
All I know is he lived somewhere near or in Colombo and brought a young daughter named Mavourneen with him. I’ve reached out to a few people that share this surname and they mentioned it was unusual as it’s not the most common surname. I believe my grandfather also possibly abandoned his life / family in Sri Lanka so I question if this is why he doesn’t show on any records.
If you can help I would be incredibly grateful. It’s a part of my heritage I know near to nothing about and would love to be able to discover this further.
Warm regards
Kind regards
Elle
Hello,
I am desperately trying to locate civil registration records for living relatives of Azora Perera (nee Brohier) born 1910 in Colombo. Married to Hermann Hector Perera in 1930.
Two children, Darin (Doreen) Jean Perera (Pereria) (b 1933) & Hermann Bryan Perera (b. 1935?)
Doreen married Hugh Emil Muller (b. 1935?) in 1960 at DRC in Colombo.
Doreen had three children, Jeremy Johann Emile Muller, Ilene Desiree Mary Ann Muller (baptised 1964, DRC Colombo ) & Deidre Rosanne Jean Muller.
Really need to confirm if either Doreen or Jerman Bryan is still alive.
Thank you
I could not find mother’s and dad details. It must be missing off record
Born august 18th 1987.
Name Pirasanth
Hello,
I’m researching the following individuals and would greatly appreciate any information or leads:
1) Abitta Pinah – Tea Merchant
2) Berakaragedera Pinah – Son of Abitta, born 10 August 1912, Variety Artist
3) Baragaral Pinah – Possibly an alternative name for Berakaragedera
4) Pinah the Red Cloud – Circus Performer
A Sri Lankan colleague mentioned that some of these names may actually be traditional surnames rather than given names, so any clarification on naming conventions or family connections would be very helpful.
Thank you in advance for your assistance!
Looking for information the father or mother of on Helena Darius, born Jaffna 1738. Also Zacharias Elias who was my first Elia ancestor in Ceylon.
Looking for information on a Leslie David born and lived in Ceylon . Married Geendoline Esther Redlich around 1932 ? Any birth or Marriage certificates? ( Wife’s Grandfather )
Martin VanDort
Looking to find some information on the family history of Vangunster‘s from Sri Lanka
Hello I’m looking for any information on a family tree of De Silvas.
My maternal Great great grandmother was a De Silva with either Dutch or Portuguese ancestry. She was born in Matara I think (as both her parents were born there), she was only an only child. Had four kids oh her own, three boys and one duaghter.
I believe both her parents were mixed burgher people of some sort.
On my paternal side, there are also De Silvas. All from places like Galle, Matara and Kandy.
Any help- especially names would be helpful. Thank you.
Thank you for your enquiry.
You can search an abbreviated set of records within our database to check whether a record is included at https://kabristan.org.uk/search
Wishing you every success in your search,
Simon Hibbott
Hi,
I am not sure if this page is active anymore but just in case…
My name is Lia and I am the great-granddaughter of Mary Ouida Muller (1903-1992) and Kingsley Cornelius De Jonk (1901-1964) of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and granddaughter of Rosemarie Charmaine Therese De Jonk (1930-2013) and Malcolm Bede Van Arkadie (1929-2015) who immigrated to Melbourne, Australia in the late 1960s.
I am interested in any info you may have on the De Jonk, Landsberger, Muller and Van Arkadie Families, if you’re happy to share.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Lia
Good morning,
I am.looking for any information related to my great, great grandmother Elizabeth Jane. In all census documentation I can find her birth place is listed as ceylon approx 1879-1881. She married william Richard Clapp who was stationed in Ceylon and they had 2 of their daughters in Ceylon between 1901 and 1905. Elizabeth Clapp and Harriet Ann Clapp. I cannot seem to find any birth documents for their daughters or any birth information for Elizabeth Jane to find her maiden name. Any help would be greatly appreciated