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. It was awarded as a title of honor until suspension of Ceylonese honours in 1956.

This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (November 2020)

The post originated from the Portuguese colonial administration in the 17th century by enlisting natives of different castes from the coastal areas. The post continued throughout the Dutch East India Company administration and the British colonial administration until the abolition of the native department in the 1930s.^[1] It was awarded as a title of honor until the suspension of Celonese honors in 1956.^{[citation needed]}

During the British administration official and titular appointments were made by the government agent of the district to a korale which was a revenue district; a muhandiram had several vidane arachchies that may come under his supervision. 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.^[2][3][4][5]

Their uniform was similar to that of the mudaliyars, with a long black tunic buttoned up to the neck with golden loops and buttons, a gold lave sword belt and decorated sword.^[1]

Muhandirams had several classes:^[1]

Awarded as an honor (titular)

• Muhandiram of the Governor's Gate (titular) - awarded as an Honor
• Muhandiram (titular) - awarded as an Honor
• Vidane Muhandirams (titular) - awarded as an Honor^[6]
• Veda Muhandirams (titular) - awarded as an honor for native physicians
• Guru Muhandirams (titular) - awarded as an honor for native teachers

Official

• Muhandiram of the atapattu - in charge of a jurisdiction of a district
• Muhandiram of the korale - in charge of a jurisdiction of a korale

Ex-offico posts attached to other public departments or ceremonial roles

• Gravets muhandiram - jurisdiction of a town and gravets
• Basnayaka muhandiram - command of a Lascoreen Guard
• Liyana muhandiram - head of the clerks
• Madige muhandiram - regional transportation representative for the governor

Singular appointments

• Padikara muhandiram
• Mohotti muhandiram
• Dadayakkare muhandiram

• Native headmen of Ceylon
• Mudaliyar
• Arachchi
• Walauwa
• Kastane