Sri Lanka Sinhalese Family Genealogy

Seneviratne - Family #3108

This Seneviratne family may have worked for the Kandy kings at one time, and later migrated by boat through Kalu ganga and settled in Kalutara around the year 1676.They built their walauwa, named Duwa watte Walauwa in Desestara in Kalutara.

Interpretation of the Seneviratne name is Senevi = Loyal and ratne = Gem

Or can be, Senevi = connected to the armed forces in Kings time.

 

Don Reynoldus Gunasekere Seneviratne Mudliyar had made a field/o 45 Amunums.

 

Don Phillip Gunasekere Seneviratne received certificates from Dutch and British Governors.

 

Don Phillip was also presented land within the Kalutara Fort, by Governor Van de Graaf, for planting cinnamon for the Government. Around the year 1796

 

There is in existence a temple in Pillikuttuwa near Heneratgoda, where in the temple bell it's written. donated by Gunasekera Seneviratne Mudiyanse.

 

Dutch may have collected details by Thombu in 1767.

 

Seneviratne family seems to have married with the de Alwis family in the years 1750 to 1870. Phillip Gunasekere Seneviratne (1761-1803),married Helena de Alwis,bp 1/1/1766,married at Christ Church Galkissa on 17/5/1786. This Helena de Alwis was a daughter of Daniel de Alwis,who is believed to be born in Galkissa. This Daniel de Alwis's father,Phillipo de Alwis is believed to have migrated from Bentota to Galkissa around1739.But it is believed Phillip Seneviratne after marriage stayed in Kalutara.Phillip's son, Don John Cornelis Seneviratne (1792-1876),married another Helena de Alwis,a daughter of another Daniel de Alwis of Bentota, and is believed to have lived in Kalutara. Son of John Cornelis Seneviratne was Thomas Leonard Gunasekere Seneviratne from Duwa watte Desastara Kalutara, who married around 1870, Jane Rejo de Alwis, daughter of Helena Eliza de Alwis and Abraham de Alwis of Galkissa Walauwwa.Thomas Leonard Seneviratne settled in Galkissa Walauwwa, and had 3 sons, Edwin Arthur and James.

 

Seneviratne members have married to de Saram, Bandaranaike, de Livera and Wijewardene families.

Seneviratne family is a Govigama Buddhist family.

 

From the book Memoirs of Late James D'Alwis edited by AC Seneviratne in 1939

 

After 1604 those who had left the 7 korale's for Sabaragamuwa found it no better condition, they felt a desire to abandon and to seek refuge  in some quite locality. Long before the Dutch succeeded the Portuguese and long before the Dutch rendered the inland waters navigable, various points on the west coast between Bentota and Negambo, and boats were placed, on the Kelani Ganga to maintain communication by the river, confined to the Kandyan Kingdom. The new settlers of Sabaragamuwa found an easy passage en route by the Kaluganga to those domains in ancient principality Raiygama (Western Province)

 

Though it was undoubtly the close of their rule in Ceylon, it is nevertheless not a little surprising that the Portuguese now attempted to extend their religion beyond their own frontier, and to carry it into the inland districts of the island. Notwithstanding the formidable opposition which they met at the hands of the Dutch, who had already commenced to interpose obstacles on the way to the Portuguese. And not withstanding the treaty of 1638 between King Rajasinghe II and the Dutch, by which the exertions of the Portuguese clergy were greatly limited, yet it is not little surprising that it was chiefly at this period they exerted their influence, not only to effect conversions among the highest families of the land, but to introduce at the same time, a very questionable nomendature to distinguish the converted.

 

It was at this point that the new Kandian settlers in the confines of Raiygama foresaw that the most effectual mode by, which they could secure rank and office was by embracing the faith, which had been offered, as a bait for such distinction.

 

000 Seneviratne b approx 1650, may have migrated from the Kandyan Kingdom through Kalu ganga, around the year 1676 (When many came to low country and joined the Dutch Government, at a time when King Rajasinghe 2 was harassing and killing his opponents) And this Seneviratne family may have built their walauwwa in Duwa watte, in Desastara Kalutara.

 

00 Seneviratne b approx 1670

 

  0 Don Carolus Wijesekera Seneviratne, b approx 1700, was alive on 23rd November,1753 (Paul Pieris Sinhala families vol 3-page 10) (Perhaps the 1st Thombu was done in 1753)

 

1  Don Reynoldus Gunasekera Seneviratne Mudaliyar  b approx 1730, alive on 6th July 1767,  Duwa Watte Walauwa Desestra Kalutara (d approx 1782) (Maybe the 2hd thombu was done around year 1767.) (p12 SF)

Don Reynoldus had made a field/o 45 Amunams at Bediawela with a canal and possessed it as Canois Paraveni. Reynoldus of Duwa Watte Walauwa Desestra Kalutara married and had the following) (he had 9 children) 2 (1) to 2 (9)

    2 (1)  Don Louis Wickremaratne Gunasekera Seneviratne Mudaliyar Kalutara, (Rayigam Korale) b approx:1760 d Nov 1782 +Dona Phillipa Lama Eteni, d:1828, daughter of Samarakoon Mudaliyar and Leonara Phillipsz Panditharatne (she died in 1828) (There is in existence of a temple in Pilikuttuwa near Heneratgoda,where temple bell is carved,saying Louis Gunasekera Seneviratne donated the bell, for katina pinkama.) (3 children-Hendrick, Palentina and Carolis) 3 (1) to 3 (3) (page 10 Sinhala Families (SF) vol 3)

        3 (1)  Don Hendirick Muhandiram, d:1828 (left no issue)

         3 (2)  Dona Palentina Sophiya  Seneviratne, b approx 1781 alive 1857+ Don Daniel Alwis Wijesiriwardena Gunathilake Mohandiram from Bentara, (Walalvita Korale) died 29/5/1850 (page 10 and page 65 sf vol 3-paul pieris) (Son of Abraham Gunathileke Siriwardena Mohandiram b1745-1814,who had 12 children.) (Palentina had 2 children Helena and Eliza) 4 (1) &4 (2)

           4 (1)    Helena  de Alwis b1810, (d/o Don Daniel de Alwis Gunathilake Mohandiram of Bentota and Sophia Palentina d/o Louis Gunasekere Seneviratne) + (m1847) Don John Gerard Cornelis Gunasekere Seneviratne,b1792-d4/8/1873 (son of Phillipoe Gunasekere Seneviratne,Mudliyar Kalutara,d1803) Two children 5 (1) &5 (2)

            5 (1)  Seneviratne + Thomas de Alwis

                6  Richard Nicholas de Alwis + Ruberu

                    7  Pauline de Alwis.

                    7  Denham de Alwis

                    7  Caroline de Alwis

             5 (2)  Thomas Leonard Gunasekera Seneviratne, (CCS) b: 1848 d Nov 1908, ( Duwa watte Walauwa,Desastara Kalutara) + Jane Rajo de Alwis  b approx 1860-d1915* of Galkissa Walauwa (daughter of Helena Eliza de Alwis and Abraham de Alwis Wijesinghe Siriwardene) (3137) (M approx 1880) (Jane was a grand daughter of Sieckbertus Daniel de Alwis bp 1814) (Sieckbertus's parents were Hendrick de Alwis and Florentina DB,daughter of Daniel DB) He had 3 sons. Thomas Seneviratne may have inherited some land in Kalutara. Jane Rejo de Alwis inherited half of the Galkissa Walauwa, property opposite the Galkissa cemetery, 25 acres from Wellawatte and 38 acres at Mawanella. (They had 3 sons) 6 (1) to 6 (3)

 

 

                6 (1)  Edwin Henry Seneviratne, (Coroner), (in 1910 Training College ) 1886-1945 + Eugine Caroline Gertrude de Saram, b1896-d29/12/1980, (3121) (M approx 1925) He had 3 children. 7 (1) to 7 (3)

Edwin from the sale of his share in Wellawatte, bought land in Mihindu Mawatha from his cousin Leo de Alwis, also bought land in Terrence Avenue from his cousin, Lilian de Alwis, around the year 1930.Edwin may have inherited land in Kalutara from his father Thomas Seneviratne. Edwin inherited 35 perches, opposite the cemetery,from his mother.He also inherited 1/6th share of the Galkissa Walauwwa, which he sold to his brother Jimmy.

Eugine may have inherited some land in Kalutara through her husband, and the writer remembers Eugine donating some land in Kalutara to a close by temple in Desastara Kalutara, around the year 1972, as the head priest visited Dehiwela for the transaction. Eugine also inherited half share of the udahawalawwa in Mihindu Mawatha from her father Peter de Saram, but exchanged it for the land opposite the odeon in Galle road with Christy de Saram her brother.

This land had a house called Sea View, which later was given to their son Lionel... Eugine alao inherited some land in Ratmalana, which she sold and from proceeds bought two houses in Colpetty, around the year 1956. (It is believed the Sea view property and Teddy de Saram property had been bought by Peter de Saram from thr Pieris family, who their ancestor had married Maria de Saram a daughter of Anthonan de Saram.

                    7 (1)  Conrad Hithaprema Seneviratne (Graduate) (1926-1950) STC Mt Lavinia) (died/o cancer)

                    7 (2)  Gertrude Hemawathi Seneviratne (b:12/4/1931-d1/6/2023) Eng Inst/Journalist, Graduate + Louis Charles de Livera (1919-1969) (STC Mt Lavinia) Lawyer (3109) (M1955) She had 3 children.

                        8  Sunil Yohananda de Livera (13/9/1956-Nov 2003) Musician (STC Mt Lavinia)

                        8  Jagath Manjula de Livera (b:17/1/1960) STC Mt Lavinia, Accountant /Dy Chief Internal Auditor (UDA) SL/Aus + Lakshmi Arulanandam, (Lawyer) (M1993) migrated to Australia. in 2006

                            9  Rahul de Livera b1994 (Degree in Engineering and a Law Degree)

                            9  Shruti de Livera b2001 (Monash University,double degree business &banking)

                        8  Lankika Erandathi de Livera (b:18/2/1964-9/4/2011), Bishopian, Journalist (M1990) + (M1) Prasanna Panditharatne, (Royalist) d2009 (Businessman)

                            9  Kusan Panditharatne b1995 (STC Mt Lavinia)

                        8  2nd spouse of Lankika de Livera (M2003) + Srikumar (STC Mt Lavinia), Accountant)

                    7 (3)  Lionel Janaki Seneviratne (b:21/7/1937) (STC Mt Lavinia) Engineer, Bank of Ceylon + Premalatha Pagodaarachchi (Doctor, Head/o Blood Bank, Kalubowila Hospital) (M approx 1970)

8     Yasoja Seneviratne USA + Sumedha Perera

    9  Maya Perera b2015

 

                6 (2)  Dr Arthur  Fritz Senewiratne (Eye Specialist Kandy Hospital) (LMS cey 1927, LRCP edin, LRFP Glas1925, DOoxford 1927) (b approx 1888) + Lizzie Harriot Wijewardena, (aunt of President J R Jayawardena) (3062,3143), (Arthur lived at Galkissa Walauwwa in 1910, and married approx 1920)

                    7  Nanda Seneviratne (b1922-d10/11/2002) Transport Manager Lake House.,later Wijeya Newspapers,Agriculture Graduate (Peradeniya),Royalist + Clare Senewiratne nee David (d2007) Journalist

                        8  Viraj Senewiratne + Dhakshina

                    7  Kumari Seneviratne

                6 (3)  James Christofelsz Senewiratne (b approx 1906-d:1969) + Millicent Samarakkody (b1911-d:8/4/1995) (M approx 1928) (d/o Henry Samarakkody) They had 3 children. 7 (1) to 7 (3)

                    7 (1)  Wasanthi Senewirane (b1933-d 2019) + Marshal Wijesinghe (b1929-d:1988) (Air Force)

 (M 1968)

                        8  Ayanthi Wijesinghe + Samith Jayasekera

                    7 (2)  Ranjith Senewiratne (Personnel Mgr-State Trading) (STC Mt Lavinia) b14/4/1939 + Deepthi Malalgoda. (M approx 1970)

                        8  Hirantha Senewiratne (STC Mt Lavinia) + Anja Lurvink

 

                    7 (3)  Dr Tissa Senewiratne (Chief Medical Officer CMC) (STC Mt Lavinia) b23/3/1940-d25/5/2023 + Shrini Attygalle (Rescidence Galkissa Walauwwa) (M approx 1967)

                        8  Thishani Senewiratne + Amal De Mel

                            9  Amashi De Mel b1994 +Lakshman

                              10 Taavi

                            9  Shineli De Mel

                        8  Chaminda Senewiratne (STC Mt Lavinia) + Misthi de Silva (Md 1994)

         4 (2) Eliza de Alwis +Diedrick Henry Dissanayake Tillekeratne, b1820-d:15/2/1883 Mudliyar Weligam Korale. (Eliza de Alwis is a daughter of Daniel de Alwis Wijesiriwardena Goonatilleke Mohandiram and Sophiya Palentina Seneviratne)

  2 (1)      3 (3)  Don Carolis Seneviratne b:1780 Mudaliyar Kalutara (1 child) (Son of Louis Wickremaratne Goonasekere Seneviratne.) 1 child.

            4  Don Haramanis Seneviratne b:1820 Mudaliyar Siyane Korale, m 27/5/1847 (4 children-5 (1) to5 (4)

                5 (1) Susan Elizabeth Seneviratne of Walgama  b approx 1853-d1909 (Sister of Solomon Seneviratne Mudliyar + (m11/11/1875) Francis James de Livera b18/2/1847-d1901 (Son of Solomon de Livera and Petrenella Dias Bandaranaike)

 

                   Susan  Elizabeth  Seneviratne of Walgama Adhikari Pattu of Siyane Korale. (This area is like Kelaniya) (b:1853 -d approx 1909+ Francis James de Livera Seneviratne b:18/2/1847- d:1901 (Testamentary case, guardian in the case Harry Dias Bandaranaike of Kelanimulla,,5 children as per testramentary case,children mentioned, Emma de Livera Seneviratne)

 (T case of 1910 mentions 5 children,baby de Livera,,,Emma,Annie,Abraham & Harry.) (petitioner was Julias Abraham de Livera)

 (Eliza de Livera Seneviratne of Walgama and Grace Seneviratne of Malwana are born approx 1825 and are sisters.) (Grace Seneviratne + William Alexander DB,b approx 1830)

                       6 (1) Emma de Livera Seneviratne b approx 1877 (alive 1935) (M1898) +Julias Abraham de Livera Tennakoon of Ampitigala ( b approx 1876,d 11/4/1936) (Julias From the branch of Denawakaralage Don Louis de Livera (1,2 (2),3 (5) 4 (6),5,                                  

6 (3) 7,8 (1) ) (5 children)

 (Ceylon Gazette of 25/10/1935,mentions land aquisition of villages of Walgama and Malwana,Lot 21&23 Alutelabadaowita,mentions Eliza de Livera's 5 children, baby de livera, Emma,Annie &Harry.)

                         7 (1) Abraham Marcus de Livera Tennakoon (b 11/9/1899-d12/3/1985) (Gazette 1926-Jurors/Assessor Nuwara Eliya Kachcherie) +Anna Florentina Dias Bandaranaike (1001) b20/7/1900, m23/6/1922,d10/1/1977married at All Saints church Hulsdorph) (daughter of Sir Solomon Dias Bandaranaike.) (Had 2 children- Rita May de Livera and Solomon Christoffel Obeyesekere de Livera)

                               8 Rita May de Livera (unmarried) b20/4/1922

                               8  Solomon Christoffel Obeyesekere de Livera (b 20/4/ 1923- d25/7/ 2011) (Lawyer) + Indrani Nimal Pieris (They had 3 children) M1953 (d/o Dr MVP Pieris)

                                   9  Asanthi de Livera (Austraia) b1956+ Oswin de Alwis b1949

                                   9  Shanaka de Livera b 1959 (Lawyer) (STC Mt Lavinia) (lives in Colombo) + Samanda Senaratne (decendent of Amarasekera family 3068)

 (Shanaka de Livera,as at today owns some of  the fields in Ampitigala, which Don Simon de Livera owned in 1770,as per thombu  records,250 years ago.)

                                       10  Shelan de Livera b1993

                                       10  Sajin de Livera b1994

                                   9  Priyan de Livera b 1961 (Lawyer) (Stc Mtl) unmarried.

                           7 (2) Edmund de Livera (of Anguruwatota) d28/12/1969+ Diana Hazel Margret Pieris (m1940)

                               8 Diana Hazel de Livera b10/6/1942+ Jeramyn Fernando M1970

                                   9 Dilanjan +Chamindi Wevita

                                       10 Kiara

                                       10 Andrew

 

                           7 (3) Eric de Livera Tennakoon of Ampitigala Walauwwa (b 13/4/1910-d15/8/1964) + M24/8/1944 Helen Maude Patricia Tillekeratne (b4/11/1919-d14/8/2020 died at 99 years.) (Sister of Patrick Tillekeratne, d/o Cyril Tillekeratne)

                             8 Priyanee Edith de Livera +Lakshman Dissanayake (M1975)

                                 9 Sunela Dissanayake+ Sashi Mohotti

                                     10 Atira

                                 9 Indika Dissanayake +Heshantha De Mel

                                     10 Neshali De Mel

                           7 (4) Victor  Lionel de Livera Tennakoon (unmarried) d 13/2/1996

                           7 (5) Catherine Daphne de Livera d3/4/1958 +Eric Leonard Dissanayake Tillekeratne (died 1944) (Clerk Matara Kachcheri, retired in 1930) (Eldest son of Harry Lambertus Dissanayake Tillekeratne) (Testramentary case) (Catherine de Livera had 2 children) (Ampitigala walauwwa Anguruwatota Kalutara)

                              8 Constance Daphne Tillekeratne + Herbert Tillekeratne

                                  9 Herman Tillekeratne

                              8 Ranjani Sunethra Tillekeratne

 

                       6 (2) Baby de Livera (unmarried) b approx 1888 (Children of Eliza de Livera)

                       6 (3) Anine de Livera Seneviratne b approx 1890 of Walgama (Alive 1935)

                       6 (4) Abraham de Livera Seneviratne b approx 1892 of Walgama

                       6 (5) Harry de Livera Seneviratne (16 year minor in 1910) b 1894 of Walgama (Alive 1935)

 (details from gazette 1910)

 (Above Abraham and Edmund de Livera records seen in Nuwara Eliya birth records)         

                5 (2)  Solomon Christoffel Senewiratne,bMay1849, Audit office 1874 (died 28/4/1922) (CCS) 1883,Mudliyar Ratnapura,kacherie. Mudaliyar Pasdum Korale,Attapattu Mudaliyar in 1893,Kachcherie Mudaliyar Colombo, educated at Queen's College and The Colombo Academy (later Royal College, (s/o Don Hermanis Seneviratne, Mohandiram of Siyane Korale, grandson of Don Carolis Seneviratne, Mudaliyar of Kalutara, great grandson of Don Louis Seneviratne, Mudaliyar of the same place (,Atapattu Mudaliyar.Colombo, Mudliyar of Governors gate 1895), m:1891  + Charlotte Matilda Dias Bandaranaike, b:18/11/1869-29/4/1896 (daughter of Christoffel Dias Bandaranaike Mudliyar Siyane Korale East) (1001) (8 children) (They resided in White house, Ward place,built by him around 1890.) (Page 524,20th Century Impressions of Ceylon) (Gazette 1910 voters list says he lived at White House Ward Place.Cinomon Gardens) 8 children.6 (1) to 6 (8) .

 (They resided at white house in Ward Place Colombo.Their country house is at Kandahena Veyangoda.He was a member of the Agriculture Society and Horticultural Society.He eceived a gold medal from the British Governtment for his services.)

                    6 (1)  Stephen Christopher Senewiratne b15/8/1895-d,July 1959 (Educated at Trinity all Cambridge) + Lilian Rosalin de Alwis (1895-15/10/1933) (daughter of Daniel Albert de Alwis and Grace Rosalin Dias Bandaranaike) (m5/4/1923)

 

(Stephen Senewiratne resided at White House at Ward Place, later they shifted to Duff House in Bagatale Road Colombo. Their country residence was Kandahena Estate Veyangoda. Stephen Senewiratne was educated at Cambridge, and was a non practising Barrister. He was interested in Agriculture. In 1933, he was convicted by a 5-2 verdict, and sentenced for the murder of his wife. (Duff House Murder Case).

 

He appealed to the Privy Council in England, and on 29/7/1936, his appeal was allowed, and the death sentence which had been commuted to rigorous imprisonment for life was squashed. Stephen left prison after spending 30 months in prison. (He had 2 children)

 

                        7 (1)  Solomon Terrence Senewiratne b1926-dNov 2004 (Director of Agriculture Peradeniya.) (worked at the Asian Development Bank Manila.) + Daisy Dias Abeysinghe, d/o Annesly Dias Abeysinghe. (divorced, no issue.)

 (It is said that Terrence Avenue in Mt Lavinia is named after him,as his mother Lilian owned land in that road.)

                        7 (2) Son, b and died 1926.

 

                    6 (2) Solomon Christoffel Senewiratne d8/12/1894 (died young)

                    6 (3) Son, died young

                    6 (4) Joseph Fredrick ( Eric ) Senewiratne  b1898-d1978+ (M1927) Helen  Ray Dassenaike,d/o Louis Arthur Dassenaike, Mudaliyar.- (Eric lived in their coconut estate-No issue.)

                    6 (5) George  Noel Senewiratne,b26/6/1897-d1936+ Erin Violet Dias Bandaranaike b25/5/1898-d29/2/1984 (5 children) (m28/12/1922) (Lived in Pallewela) 7 (1) to7 (5) (Erin,d/o Earnest DB)

                        7 (1)  Erin Senewiratne b1/9/1923,+m23/5/1943 Cecil de Rozairo (8 children)

                          8 (1) Swarna de Rozairo +Vasantha Obeyesekere

                             9 Asanga Obeyesekere

                             9 Kanishka Obeyesekere

                          8 (2) Vasantha de Rozairo +Sunny Perera

                             9 Thusitha Perera

                             9 Kalinga Perera

                          8 (3) Tissa de Rozairo+Sanoja de Alwis

                             9 Anjana de Rozairo

                        9 Nishika de Rozairo

                          8 (4) Maheswari de Rozairo + Shelton Upali Geeganage

                            9 Risda Geeganage

                            9 Shashini Geeganage

                          8 (5) Chandana de Rozairo d1978

                          8 (6) Dushyantha de Rozairo+Manel Kalubowila

                          8 (7) Dushmantha de Rozairo unmarried

                          8 (8) Yasoma de Rozairo +Purapati Galloluwa

                            9 Purani Galloluwa

 

                        7 (2) Eunis Senewiratne b29/3/1928-d4/10/2007 +Piyadasa Gunerwardena

                          8 Asoka Gunerwardene unmarried

                          8 Damayanthi Gunerwardene +Trevor Wanniachy

                            9 Rushayne

                            9 Shehan

 

                        7 (3)  Nissanka Senewiratne.,b1/9/1933-d13/4/1984 + (m22/6/1964) Patricia Samaranayake (3 children)

                           8 Nilmini Senewiratne,b10/5/1965 unmarried (UK)

                           8 Nishan Senewiratne,b1966 +Dilhani Fernando (UK)

                           8 Kumari Senewiratne +Palitha Kalubowila

                             9 Vihanga

                             9 Jaindhu

                             9 Judeesha

                        7 (4)  Daphne Gladys Senewiratne b22/10/1926-9/5/2010+ Orville Abeynaike (Bowler,Royal Thomian 1941, later Sub Warden STC Mt Lavinia..) 4 children.

                            8  Ranil Abeynaike (StcMtl) (1955-21/2/2012) (Cricketer) +Roshika Tissera

                            8  Mohan Abeynaike (Accountant)

                            8  Amitha Abeynaike (Accountant) d 30/10/2022 (Stc Mtl) (Hockey) +Yahli

                               9 Suhela Abeynaike

                               9 Sarinda Abeynaike

                            8.Ajith Abeynaike (Accountant) +Julie Spezza (lives in Australia)

                        7 (5)  Lionel Senewiratne b20/10/1929-d30/4/1971+ Vinie Senewiratne (Surangani? (d/o Francis Senewiratne & Glady's DB-1st marriage) (10 children) 8 (1) to 8 (10)

                           8 (1) Palitha Senewiratne,b1952 unmarried

                           8 (2) Nimal Senewiratne,b1956+Chandrika

                           8 (3) Ranjith Senewiratne,b1957+Indrani

                           8 (4) Mohan Senewiratne,b1959+Sriani

                           8 (5) Manel Senewiratne,b1961+Upali Balasuriya

                           8 (6) Malkanthi Senewiratne,b1962 unmarried

                           8 (7) George Senewiratne,b1964,+Lalitha

                           8 (8) Linster Senewiratne,b1967 unmarried

                           8 (9) Kanthi Senewiratne,b1968 unmarried

                           8 (10) Palitha Lalith Senewiratne,b1970,unmarried.

                    6 (6) Charles Edward (Charlie) Senewiratne (Advocate) b26/3/1900 + Roxina Dassenaike, d/o John HP Dassenaike & Agnes DB of Kelanimulle, they had 1 son.

                        7  Charles Edward (Eddie ) Senewiratne (24/5/1928-16/5/2021) (Managed the Kandahena coconut estate in Nittambuwa) (m9/5/1959) + Lorna de Saram  b approx 1931 (3126) (d/o Christopher (Christy) de Saram d approx 1979) and Margret de Alwis Senewiratne of Kalutara) (2 children)

                            8  Anoja Chandrika Senewiratne (b27/7/1962-d 25/5/1997) + Dr Nalin Gooneratne

                                9  Upendra Gooneratne

                                9  Harin Gooneratne

                            8  Anil Ranjan Senewiratne b15/2/1965 (Managed Estate in Nittambuwa) (M1996) + Rochelle Schucroff -no issue

                    6 (7) Phillip Henricus Senewiratne (JP, Assistant Scout Commissioner) b1902+ Nenie Samarakkody b1911-d1974 (3118) d/o Peter Augustus Samarakkody (2 children) (M1931) (Philip had a coconut estate in Urapola.)

                        7  Dr Brian Senewiratne b:16/1/1932 (Consultant Physician) (MA-Cantab,MBB-Chir-Cantab,MBBS-Lond,MD-Lond,FRCP-Lond,FRACP) (Human rights activist) + Kamalani Alagaratnam (migrated to Queensland Australia) (2 children)

                            8 Dr  Romesh Senewiratne Alagaratnam+ (M1) Susan Ellis Smith

                               9.Ruby Senewiratne

                            8  Dr Romesh Senewiratne + (M2) Sara Di Genova

                               9.Zoe Di Genova Senewiratne

                            8  Dr Shireen Senewiratne + Robert Purssey

                               9.Nisharn Senewiratne

                               9 Talita Senewiratne b1995

                         7  Phoebe Senewiratne + Nanda Yatawara (Resident in UK)

                            8  Kavan Yatawara

                            8  Lakshman Yatawara

                            8  Neliya Yatawara

                    6 (8)  John Francis Senewiratne (b19/8/1904-d3/2/1998) (Officer in Public Trustee Office) (M1) + Glady Dias Bandaranaike d/o Fredrick Hugh Dias Bandaranaike (3 children)

                        7 (1)  Sakuntala Senewiratne b21/5/1932+Siri Peiris

                           8 Ravindra+Meriyam Nonis

                           8 Ratnel+Surangani

                        7 (2)  Sieevanatha Senewiratne d1960 unmarried.

                        7 (3)  Surangani Vinie Senewiratne b29/5/1933 (M1952) + Lionel Senewiratne (20/10.1929-30/4/1971) (10 children)

 

                           8 (1) Palitha Senewiratne, b:1952 unmarried

                           8 (2) Nimal Senewiratne, b:1956+Chandrika

                           8 (3) Ranjith Senewiratne, b:1957+Indrani

                           8 (4) Mohan Senewiratne, b:1959+Sriani

                           8 (5) Manel Senewiratne, b:1961+Upali Balasuriya

                           8 (6) Malkanthi Senewiratne, b:1962 unmarried

                           8 (7) George Senewiratne, b:1964,+Lalitha

                           8 (8) Linster Senewiratne, b:1967 unmarried

                           8 (9) Kanthi Senewiratne, b:1968 unmarried

                           8 (10) Palitha Lalith Senewiratne, b:1970, unmarried

                    6 (8)  2nd spouse of John Francis Senewiratne (M2) + Grace Chandrani Tillekaratne,d/o Arthur Tillekeratne and Mary Samarakkody (4 children) (Had land at Panagoda) Lived later at Jambugasmulla, Nugegoda. (See Tillekeratne and Samarakkody Family Trees)

                        7  Ranjith Senewiratne (b:22/5/1947-d29/6/1967)

                        7  Francis Nimal Senewiratne (b:8/9/1949-d 2014) + Geethanjali de Zilva (m:23/11/1972) (2 children)

                            8  Amanda Senewiratne b12/3/1988,+M1,Reshan Bharati

                              9 Kenul Senewiratne Bhareti

                            8 Amanda Senewiratne +M2 Hazeem Iqbal

                            8  Eshan Senewiratne

                        7  Niranjala Senewiratne + Kalinda Doranagoda d 2015

                            8  Shamila Doranagoda + Duminda Maligaspe (Aus)

9      Dinuri Maligaspe

9    Tharuki Maligaspe

                        7  Priyani Senewiratne + Mohan Samarakkody (Son of Amy Samarakkody) (Lived at Lenegala Estate Panagoda.)

                            8  Sandeepani Samarakkody + Chandima Alutwala

                            8  Yasamali Buddhini Samarakkody +Arun Muthusamy

5 (3) Matilda Grace Seneviratne of Malwana. b approx 1848 (6 children) + (m17/6/1872) William Alexander Dias Bandaranaike son of Bastian Franciscus Dias Bandaranaike 6 (1) to 6 (6)

                         6 (1) Alexander Solomon William Dias Bandaranayake, b:4/4/1873-d:12/11/1921 Muhandiram of Siyane Korale (unmarried)

                         6 (2) Agnes Harriet Dias Bandaranayaka, b:28/10/1874 + John H.P Dassenaike of Bellana,Pasdum Korale

                         6 (3) Grace Rosalind Dias Bandaranayaka, b:4/10/1876-d21/2/1922 + Daniel Albert de Alwis of Galkissa.b:1860-d:30/8/1903 (3 children)

                                 7 (1) Lilian Rosalin de Alwis b:1895- d:1933+ Stephen Senewiratne

                                   8 Terrance Senewiratne 1926-2007

                                 7 (2) Henry De Alwis d:1907

 (The writer believes Samudragiri Walauwwa was built on land originally of Anthonan de Saram b1675, given to Maria de Saram b:1705 who married Louis Pieris.Then the land was inherited by Wilhelmus Pieris b:1730, land then given to Angenita Pieris who married Alexander DB b:1757,their son was Bastian Franciscus DB b1780,their son William Alexander DB b1830,William's daughter was Grace Rosalind DB b1876. Writer believes, Daniel Albert de Alwis inherited 50 acres at Wellawatte,from the wife of Leonard de Saram.From the proceeds of sale of Wellawatte land, the Samudragiri Walauwwa was built on the land inherited by Grace Rosalind Dias Bandaranayake in de Saram Road Mt Lavinia by Leo de Alwis around the year 1925)

 

                                 7 (3) Leonard de Alwis (Leo) b approx 1880 +  Alexandra Camelia Bandaranaike b26/8/1903- (M1923) (sister of SWRD), lived at "Samudragiri" Walauwa,de Saram Road,in Mount Lavinia.    8 (1)  Shirlene De Alwis + Earle Jayawardena

                                             9  Amal Jayawardena + Waruni

                                        8 (2)  Lankasa De Alwis (tenor singer) + Joy Dassenaike (cousins)

                                             9  Ranjith de Alwis

                                                  10  Raneesha de Alwis

                                                  10  Radeena de Alwis

                                        8 (3)  Rukie (Rukmani) de Alwis b:26 Mar 1926-20/3/2017 + Percy Eheliyagoda (They had 5 children)

                                             9  Leo Eheliyagoda + Ramya Wijetunge

                                                10  Rosanth Eheliyagoda

                                             9  Shalimar Eheliyagoda + Uma Kumar Sharma

                                                  10   Shanikar Sharma +Migara Alwis- m:2009

                                                  10  Aashiana Alwis- June 2011

                                                  10  Sandesh Sharma

                                             9  Charmaine Eheliyagoda, Attorney-at-Law, a member of the National Police Commission appointed by H.E.The President of Sri Lanka + Lakshman Madurasinghe, m:1979 held at All Saints Church Hulftsdorp in Aug 1979 + Professor Lakshman Madurasinghe, born in Galle, STC Prep School Kollupitiya 1959-1960 (LKG/UKG), STC Mount Lavinia 1961-72, Attorney at Law, Fellow-CIPD UK

                                                 10  Rosanth Lakshan Madurasinghe, graduate of the University of London (England) . + Nishani Fernando of Wennappuwa on July 7 2007

                                                   11 Romaan Athan Madurasinghe Aug 2008

                                             9  Lankani Eheliyagoda

                                             9  Devika Eheliyagoda [see web site at 

http://ceo.intellect.googlepages.com/familytree]

 

                         6 (4) George Abraham Dias Bandaranayaka,b1/11/1877-d19/11/1922- Unmarried.Mudliyar Hewagam Korale.

 

                         6 (5) Harry Peter Dias Bandaranayaka,b15/2/1881 + Rene May Dassenaike (d/o Edmund Dassenaike.) (m1916)

                           7 Edmund Henry Alexander Dias Bandaranayaka,b11/10/1917 -d1/8/2007,+Delicia Goonetilleke

                             8 Arun Dias Bandaranayaka (TV Presenter,Sports Commentator) +Julian de Saram.

 

                           7 Ruby Grace Dias Bandaranayaka, b:29/1/1919- d 18/12/2012,+Danton Gamunu Obeyesekere,Barrister at Law,Trinity College Cambridge,Assesor Income tax dept (m19/5/1938)

                                         8  Arjuna Obeyesekere

                                         8  Shireen Obeyesekere + Priya Amarasinghe

                                             9 Shehan Amarasinghe

                                             9 Rajive Amarasinghe

                                         8  Indra Obeyesekere + Anoma Illangakoon

                                             9 Gemunu Obeyesekere

                                         8  Ajith Obeyesekere +Shamala Dassenaike

 

                          7 Arthur Leonard Dias Bandaranayaka,b 13/1/1922-d20/4/2002

+ Etienne Dias Bandaranayaka, d:14 Feb 2004 (grand daughter of Walter Dias Bandaranayaka)

                                         8  Rev Suresh Dias Bandaranayaka (Anglican Pastor) + Daphne Hope Ratnaike.

                                         8  Rosanara Dias Bandaranayaka b1953 + Sunil Dias  Bandaranayaka (Son of Kingsley de Saa Bandaranaike and Trixie Seneviratne)

                                             9 Rosunthi Dias Bandaranayaka

                       

                       6 (6) Reginald Edward Dias Bandaranayaka b1886-d 31/12/1941 + (M2/1/1931) Vimala Rambukpotha (d/o Rambukpotha Rate Mahatmaya.)

                           7 Kavantissa Dias Bandaranayaka

        5 (4) Henricus Senewiratne 

 2 (2)  Don Johannes Wijesekera Seneviratne Mudaliyar (d:4/10/1845), + Johanna Abeysekera Seneviratne Lama Etini d1856 d/o Don Louis Abeyesekere Seneviratne Mohandiram.

2 (3) Dona  Gunasekera Seneviratne (daughter) + Andris de Alwis (Salpita Korale) d 5/1/1795

 2 (4) Don Bastian Seneviratne (died 1809) no issue.

 2 (5)  Dona Florentina Seneviratne (d:1856) + Mohandiram Juan de Alwis Wiresekera Appuhami Mohandiram of Bentota d1846

 2 (6)  Don Phillip Gunasekere Seneviratne (Phillipoe),Mudliyar of Kalutara,Rayigam Korale, b approx 1761 (Mudaliyar Dec 1782) died 1803 + Dona Ana Helena de Alwis Hamine bp 1/1/1766, is engaged 5/2/1786 married in Christ church Galkissa on 17/5/1786, d:1853 (d/o Don Daniel de Alwis Gunathilake Samarasinghe Mudaliyar of Salpita Korale.Don Daniel de Alwis, is believed to be born in Galkissa of Salpita Korale.As his father,Phillipoe de Alwis of Bentota may have settled in Galkissa of Salpita Korale around 1739 after marriage.) Don Phillip received certificates from Dutch & British Governors. He also received land in Kalutara Fort, from Governor Van de Graaf as reward for planting cinnamon for the government. Don Phillip Seneviratne received a gold chain and a medal from Governor Van de Graaf for his services. Became Mudliyar in December 1782 (He also had land in the village of Migama in Kalutara district according to the Thombu Index.) (Don Phillip is supposed to have received 3 certificates from Dutch and British, the writer is in possession of two certificates.) (Page 11 Sinhala Families of Paul Pieris vol 3) (3 chidren)

      3 (1)  Herat Gunasekere Seneviratne (Translator Kandy Kachcheri)

            4  Thomas Louis Gunasekera Seneviratne

        3 (2)  Dona Johanna Seneviratne (b approx 1788) (d:1826) + Johan Cornelis de Alwis  Gunerwardena Seneviratne Mudaliyar (1st marriage) (Mudaliyar of Kalutara 1791) (Son of Floris de Alwis)

        3 (3)  Don John Gerard Cornelis Seneviratne (b1792-4 Aug 1873) + m 1847 Helena  de Alwis b1810, (d/o Don Daniel de Alwis Gunathilake Muhandiram of Bentota and Sophia Palentina,Sophia is  d/o Louis Gunasekere Seneviratne of Kalutara ) (2 children)

            4 (1)  Seneviratne + Thomas de Alwis

                5  Richard Nicholas de Alwis + Ruberu

                    6  Pauline de Alwis.

                    6  Denham de Alwis

                    6  Caroline de Alwis

             4 (2)  Thomas Leonard Gunasekera Seneviratne, (CCS) b: 1848 -d Nov 1908, ( Duwa watte Walauwa,Desastara Kalutara) + Jane Rejo de Alwis  b approx 1860-d1915 of Galkissa Walauwa (daughter of Helena Eliza de Alwis and Abraham de Alwis Wijesinghe Siriwardene) (3137) (M approx 1880) (Jane was a grand daughter of Sieckbertus Daniel de Alwis bp 1814) (Sieckbertus's parents were Hendrick de Alwis and Florentina Dias Bandaranaike,daughter of Daniel DB) (Thomas and Jane settled in Galkissa Walauwa.) (They had 3 Sons) (Thomas Leonard Gunasekara's paternal grandmother, is Helena de Alwis, her brother' Hendrick's great grand daughter is Jane Rejo de Alwis.)

Thomas Seneviratne may have inherited some land in Kalutara. Jane Rejo de Alwis inherited half of the Galkissa Walauwa, and property opposite the Galkissa cemetery,25 acres from Wellawatte and 38 acres at Mawanella.

                5 (1)  Edwin Henry Seneviratne, (Coroner), (in 1910 Training College as per voters list) 1886-1945 + Eugine Caroline Gertrude de Saram, b1896-d29/12/1980, (3121) (M approx 1925)

Edwin,from the proceeds of Wellawatte property sale, bought from his cousins, Leo de Alwis,land in Mihindu Mawatha, and from Lilian de Alwis land in Terrance Avenue, around the year 1930.

Eugine may have inherited some land in Kalutara through her husband, and the writer remembers Eugine donating some land in Kalutara to a close by temple in Desastara Kalutara,around the year 1972,as the head priest visited Dehiwela for the transaction.

                    6  Conrad Hithaprema Seneviratne (Graduate) (b1926-d1950) STC Mt Lavinia) (died/o cancer at 24 years)

                    6  Gertrude Hemawathi Seneviratne (b:12/4/1931-d1/6/2023) Eng Inst/Journalist, Graduate. (Senior English instructor Kelaniya University from 1972 to 1993) + Louis Charles de Livera (6/5/1919-19/7/1969) (STC Mt Lavinia) Lawyer (3109) (M1955)

                        7  Sunil Yohananda de Livera (13/9/1956-Nov 2003) Musician (STC Mt Lavinia)

                        7  Jagath Manjula de Livera (b:17/1/1960) STC Mt Lavinia, Accountant /Dy Chief Internal Auditor (UDA) SL/Aus + Lakshmi Arulanandam, (Lawyer) (M1993) migrated to Australia. in 2006

                            8  Rahul de Livera b1994 (Degree in Engineering and a Law Degree)

                            8  Shruti de Livera b2001 (Monash University)

                        7  Lankika Erandathi de Livera (b:18/2/1964-9/4/2011), Bishopian, Journalist (M1990) + (M1) Prasanna Panditharatne, (Royalist) d2009 (Businessman)

                            8  Kusan Panditharatne b1995 (STC Mt Lavinia)

                        7  2nd spouse of Lankika de Livera (M2003) + Srikumar (STC Mt Lavinia), Accountant)

                    6  Lionel Janaki Seneviratne (b:21/7/1937) (STC Mt Lavinia) (Studied Civil Engineering and worked in England from 1962 to 1968) Engineer, Bank of Ceylon (1972-1992) + Premalatha Pagodaarachchi (Doctor, Head/o Blood Bank, Kalubowila Hospital) (M approx 1970)

7      Yasoja Seneviratne USA + Sumedha Perera

    8  Maya Perera b2015

 

                5 (2)  Dr Arthur  Fritz Senewiratne (Eye Specialist Kandy Hospital) (LMS Cey 1927,LRCP Edin,LRFP glas1925,DOoxford 1927) (b approx 1888) + Lizzie Harriet Wijewardena, (aunt of President J R Jayewardene) (3062,3143), (Arthur lived at Galkissa Walauwwa in 1910, and married approx 1920)

                    6  Nanda Senewiratne (b1922-d10/11/2002) Transport Manager Lake House.,later Wijeya Newspapers, Agriculture Graduate (Peradeniya),Royalist + Clare Senewiratne nee David (d2007) Journalist

                        7  Viraj Senewiratne + Dhakshina

                    6  Kumari Seneviratne

                5 (3)  James Christofelsz Senewiratne (b approx 1906-d:1969) + Millicent Samarakkody (b1911-d:8/4/1995) (M approx 1928) (d/o Henry Samarakkody)

                    6 (1)  Wasanthi Senewiratne (b1933-d 2019) + Marshal Wijesinghe (b1929-d:1988) (Air Force)

 (M 1968)

                        7  Ayanthi Wijesinghe + Samith Jayasekera

                    6 (2)  Ranjith Senewiratne (Personnel Mgr-State Trading) (STC Mt Lavinia) b14/4/1939 + Deepthi Malalgoda. (M approx 1970)

                        7  Hirantha Senewiratne (STC Mt Lavinia) + Anja Lurvink

 

                    6 (3)  Dr Tissa Senewiratne (Chief Medical Officer CMC) (STC Mt Lavinia) b23/3/1940-d25/5/2023 + Shrini Attygalle (Residence Galkissa Walauwwa) (M approx 1967)

                        7  Thishani Senewiratne + Amal De Mel

                            8  Amashi De Mel b1994 +Lakshman

                              9 Taavi

                            8  Shineli De Mel

                        7  Chaminda Senewiratne (STC Mt Lavinia) + Misthi de Silva (Md 1994)

 (The three Seneviratne brothers of Galkissa Walauwa,Edwin    Seneviratne, Arthur Senewiratne and (James) Jimmy Senewiratne,       donated about 2 acres of land in 1925, in  Kawdana Dehiwela, for the   purpose of building a temple. The Anusubodharama buddhist temple has been built in that land.)

 (Details of Galkissa Walauwa below)

 

 

    2 (7) Dona  Gunasekera Seneviratne (daughter) + de Livera Mudaliyar (Hewagam Korale) ?

    2 (8) Dona Helena Seneviratne (b approx 1760-d:15/4/1840) + Floris de Alwis Goonerwardena Seneviratne,Vidane Mohandiram (b approx 1760-d:1800) (Son of Reynolds Gunerwardena Mudliyar) 6 children.

             3 (1) David de Alwis Hidella Gunasekera Seneviratne (Mudaliyar Kalutara and Panadura Totamunes. President village tribunals Raygam Korale) (b1788-27/3/1853) 3rd Mudaliyar .Resident in Kandy .Awarded Gold Medal by Governor Sir Robert Brownrigg for eminent services during the Kandyan Rebellion 1818.  + Johanna Agnetha Gertruda Pieris b 8/7/1806 (d/o John Louis Pieris Samarasinghe Siriwardene Mudliyar (8 children)

                 4 (1) Charles Abraham de Alwis Seneviratne b1832 unmarried

                 4 (2) Jane Gertruda de Alwis Seneviratne b1833 +David de Alwis Mudliyar

                 4 (3) Johanna Maria Alwis Seneviratne b1830 died young

                 4 (4) Hon Albert Louis de Alwis Seneviratne b 6/3/1842 (Member of the Legislative Council 1881-1900) +Johanna Caroline Perera (d/o John Gerard Perera (8 children)

                    5 (1) Theodore de Alwis (Proctor) b1871+Clara Emily de Alwis (2 children)

                        6 (1) Theodore Shirley de Alwis b1898+ Gwendolyn Bandaranaike,b1907 (d/o Fredrick Hugh Dias Bandaranaike) 2 children

                            7 (1) Theodore Fredrick de Alwis b1927 +Iris Dissanayake (1 child)                    

                                8 Shirley Mahinda de Alwis,b1961+Dilrukshi Weerakoon (2 children)

                                   9 Nuwan de Alwis b1989+Ranthiri Perera

                                      10 Aindri Senali de Alwis b2018

                                   9  Radhini de Alwis b1993

                            7 (2) Anula Devi de Alwis + Edward Buskell (British) (They live in UK)

                                8 Stephen Buskell

                                8 Jill Buskell

                                8 Joan Buskell

                       6 (2) Albert de Alwis,b1900+Alice de Alwis Seneviratne of Welipenna-no issue.

                    5 (2) Julia Meriam de Awis,b1872 unmarried

                    5 (3) Catherine Lilian d'Alwis b1874-1952+John William Perera

                    5 (4) Edgar David d'Alwis b26/6/1876-d 2/7/1876

                    5 (5) Oliver Gerald d Alwis, Crown counsel unmarried.Thomian cricket captain.

                    5 (6) Clarice de Alwis+ James Abraham De Alwis, son of Abraham de Alwis.

                    5 (7) Dr David Basil de Alwis b1883+ (m1 ) Lilawathi Gooneratne (Lilawathi had died at child birth) (In 1910, lived at 45 Messenger Street Colombo.)

                    5 (7) Dr David Basil de Alwis  + (m2) Iris Dassenaike (10 children) 6 (1) to 6 (10)

                        6 (1) Ruth Lilawathi de Alwis, b1935+Vincent Abrahams

                        6 (2) David Chandra de Alwis 1926-1984

                        6 (3) Devadasa Basil de Awis, b1927 +m:1961 Sheila de Saram, d/o Cyril de Saram (4 children)

                            7 (1) Devindra Basil de Alwis, b17/10/1961-14/4/2021 (murdered in their Naiwala estate Minuwangoda-death result of head injuries,6 suspects were arrested. Dispute between 2 parties were the result) +Ranjini

                            7 (2) Shanelle de Alwis +Malcolm Fernando

                               8 Sabrina Marissa

                               8 Jonathan Michael

                            7 (3) David Rohan de Alwis, b1968

                            7 (4) Niloo de Alwis,b1971+ Suresh Walpola

                              8 Tehani Samantha

                              8 Ashan Steve

                       6 (4) Albert (Berti) de Alwis+ Cynthia de Saram, d/o Cyril de Saram (1 child)

                            7 Christine de Alwis,b15/6/1972

                       6 (5) Jane de Alwis +Albert Fernando (3 children)

                            7 (1) Yohan Fernando + Rebecca Hodge (divorced) 3 children

                                8 Aritha +Jessica

                                  9 Aryana

                               8 Tiyani Ariel

                               8 Danik Yohan

                            7 (2) Gyan Fernando b1959 + Manjula Ratnasinham (divorced)

                            8 Dilshan

                              9 Heshan

                          7 (3) Parakrama Dharshana Fernando,b1964 +Deepika Senapathirana

                            8 Parakrama Dilhan

                            8 Pramuka Danuk

                       6 (6) Rajha Nissanka de Alwis +Marilyn Solomons (1 child)

                           7 Anouk de Alwis,b1970+Andre John Viught

                             8 Sarah Maisee

                             8 Liam Jacob

                       6 (7) Noel de Alwis 1936-2021 unmarried

                       6 (8) Chitra de Alwis b1938-2012 unmarried

                       6 (9) Christine Malini de Alwis,b1940 +Rex Abeykoon

                       6 (10) Sita de Alwis +Conrad Abeysekara

                    5 (8) Arnold Valentine de Alwis b1886

                      (De Alwis Arnold Valentine Goonesekera Seneviratne, born 1886, (President Village Tribunal Rayigam Korale) 1921 Mohandiram Raiygam Korale,1931 President Village Tibunal-Raiygam Korale.)

               4 (5) Johanna Carolina de Alwis Seneviratne b1835

               4 (6) Peter Louis de Alwis b1836

               4 (7) Louisa Petrenela de Alwis+m1861 Robert Wilson Dias Bandaranaike

               4 (8) Agnes Harriot de Alwis + (m1 ) Robert Goonetilleke

               4 (8) Agnes Harriot de Alwis+ (m2) Harry Dassenaike

         3 (2)  Johan Cornelis de Alwis Mudaliyar (Cornelis de Alwis Mudaliyar 1791) Hewagam Korale (JC de Alwis is a son of Helena Seneviratne and Foris de Alwis. Helena Seneviratne is a brother of Phillip Seneviratne)

              M1+ Johanna Seneviratne d1826 (d/o Phillip Gunasekera Seneviratne Mudliyar Kalutara-d1803) (page 11 SF-vol3)

              M2+Helena Rudolfina de Alwis (d/o Adrian de Alwis) (page 3 SF -vol3)

       3 (3) Albert de Alwis unmarried

       3 (4) daughter died young

       3 (5) daughter died young

       3 (6) George de Alwis unmarried

 

  2 (9)  Dona  Gunasekera Seneviratne (daughter) + Wijekon Mudaliyar

History of Galkissa Walauwa.

Galkissa Walauwa,is situated in the Western Province, in the border of Dehiwela and Mount Lavinia. It is built in the land side in the land called Liyanaparangiyawatte in present day Mihindu  Mawatha.

 (Possibly in the Portuguese period prior to 1658, these lands were occupied by a Portuguese clerk, that may be the reason the name, "Liyanaparangiyawatte"

Gankanda Arachchi who escaped from King Rajasinghe in year 1676, joined the Dutch and was made Mudliyar Salpita Korale,and took the name Alexander de Saram. and may have settled in Galkissa.

 

In the Dutch period, it is said that,16,000 coconut trees were planted in Wellawatte, and 15,000 coconut trees were planted in Galkissa around the year 1685. Possibly the Mudliyar of Salpita Korale Alexander de Saram and his son, Antonan de Saram was entrusted to develop these lands. And when the Dutch company policy changed, the mudliyars got the option to purchase these lands. Hence Antonan de Saram's grandson Louis de Saram,may have inherited part of these lands.)

 

Galkissa Walauwa was built in year 1820, and is over  200 years old. The land area of the (upstair) walauwa,would have been about 20 acres, from near Arpico  to Terrance Avenue (land side), (Dharmapala Mawatha to Dudly Senanayake Mawatha (sea side) and from the walauwa to the sea.

 

(It is possible that there was another walauwwa, of the de Saram's,where the Galkissa Walauwwa was built in the period 1680 to 1820)

Galkissa Walauwa was built by Louis de Saram Wirasinghe Siriwardena (built in present day Mihindu Mawatha) (b approx 1770) He built the Walauwwa in 1820 (Mohandiram Salpita Korale)

 

Louis de Saram b1770, was married to Elena de Alwis. They had 2 children, Leonard de Saram,b1814 and Depanchy de Saram. b approx 1820

Leonard de Saram Wirasinghe Siriwardena was born on 5/11/1814.d5/3/1872 (Mohandiram,Peace officer and deputy Cornor) . (His tomb is at Christ church Dehiwela.)

 

He inherited the Galkissa Walauwa property and 75 acres coconut land from Mahawellawatte. (Wellawatte)

 

He married Susana Hetroyda de Alwis on 2/8/1847.Leonard and Susana made a joint last will. But as Leonard died 1st, the property went to Susan, as they did not have children. On 2/2/1885, Susana gifted the Galkissa walauwwa property, to Leoanard's sisters daughter Helena de Alwis.

Susana Hetroyda de Alwis, b approx 1830,died in April 1901.

(Dutch had coconut planting agreements around 1670 with Alexander de Saram and with his son Anthonan de Saram for Wellawatte and Galkissa land. But around 1730,sold the lands to the Mudaliyars who took planting agreements.)

Anthonan Wirasinghe Siriwardhana de Saram Mudaliyar in year 20/7/1730 purchased 250 acres in Mahawellawatte from the Dutch Government for 1355 RXD, which he previously planted coconut for the Government. (Leonard de Saram  was a great grand son of Anthonan de Saram.)

 

Depanchy de Saram,sister of Leonard de Saram, married Don Daniel Siegbertus de Alwis Gunathilake  Samarasinghe bp7/8/ 1814. They had a daughter named, Helena Eliza de Alwis, b approx 1835.d1887.

 

Helena Eliza de Alwis married Abraham de Alwis Wijesinghe Siriwardena. (b approx 1831) (m approx 1852) .It appears that Abraham de Alwis and Susana Hetroyda de Alwis were brother and sister. There is also evidence,that after the death of Helena Eliza in 1887,Abraham married again to Hetioida Pieris.

Helena Eliza de Alwis had 2 children.

 

1.  Daniel Albert de Alwis b approx 1860- d30/8/1903. He married Grace Rosalind Dias Bandaranaike b4/10/1876, who died on 21/2/1922. (had 3 children)

 

2.  Jane Rejo de Alwis b approx 1861-d1915.She married approx 1880.to Thomas Leonard Gunasekera Seneviratne (CCS) (b approx 1848-d Nov 1908) (Seneviratne's from Kalutara) (had 3 children)

After the death of Helena de Alwis, Galkissa walauwa was jointly owned by her 2 children Daniel and Jane Rejo de Alwis.

 

After the death of Leonard de Saram in 1872,the properties were inherited by his wife Susana Hetroyda de Saram nee de Alwis.  There after Susana gifts the (Mahawellawatte) Wellawatte properties as follows.

 (To her husband's sister's grand children)

 

To Daniel Albert de Alwis-50 acres at Mahawellawatte,Property from galle road to the sea in Galkissa. (Opposite Galkisa Walauwwa)

 

To Jane Rejo Senewiratne nee de Alwis-25 acres at Mahawellawatte,property opposite the present day cemetery in Galkissa.

 

The property from Galle Road to the sea was conveyed to the crown with compensation in 1844, and the present day Galkissa cemetery and a low income housing scheme was built.

 

Similarly, a small portion of property opposite the cemetery was acquired for a children's playground.

 

Daniel Albert de Alwis had 3 children, Leonard, Lilian and Henry

Jane Rejo Senewiratne had 3 children, Edwin, Arthur and James (Jimmy)

So each child had a 1/6th share of the Galkissa walauwa.

After the sale of Wellawatte property, from the proceeds

 (Daniel Albert de Alwis's children)

 

Leonard (Leo) de Alwis,b1897, who married Alexandra Dias Bandaranaike,b26/8/1903,M15/8/1923 built the Samudragiri Walauwa in de Saram road Mt Lavinia.

 

Lilian de Alwis (1895-15/10/1933) who married Steven Senewiratne (1895-1959) and resided in Colombo, White House and later at Duff House.

 

Henry de Alwis died young on 21/1/1907

 (Jane Rejo de Alwis's children)

 

Dr Arthur Senewiratne (eye specialist) married Harriot Wijewardena (aunt of President JR Jayawardene) and resided in Colombo.

 

Edwin Senewiratne (corner) (approx  b1886-d1945) married Eugine de Saram  b1896-d1980 and resided in her house,sea view in Mt Lavinia. He from the proceeds from the sale of his share of Wellawatte property, bought land in present day Mihindu Mawatha from Leo de Alwis, and bought land in Terrance Avenue from Lilian de Alwis.

James (Jimmy ) Senewiratne bought the 1/6th shares of the five people and became the owner of the Galkissa walauwa, in 1923

It is said that in the 1930's Jimmy had horses and a tiger in the premises. But in the early 1940's due to financial difficulty,he had to rent the walauwa and move out. And later on, he regained the walauwa.Jimmy died in 1969. Jimmy had 3 children, Wasanthi Wijesinghe nee Senewiratne, Ranjith Senewiratne and Dr Tissa Senewiratne

 

In 1970,the walauwa building and immediate property now belonging to Jimmy was divided among his children. The walauwa building was given to Dr Tissa Senewiratne, and the other 2 children built houses on the land. As at present, the walauwa building is owned and occupied by Dr Tissa Senewiratne. (Wasanthi,Ranjith and Tissa got 33 perches each from walauwwa premises.)

On 25/5/2023, Dr Tissa Senewiratne passed away at 83 years,he had complications with cancer. Now the Galkissa Walauwwa belongs to his daughter and son, namely Thisanee  de Mel and Chaminda Senewiratne

 

The period the families occupied the Galkissa Walauwa.

1820-1901  De Saram family

1901-1930  De Alwis family & Senewiratne family

1930-2024  Senewiratne family

 

There is evidence that Gankanda arachchi,came with Don Manuel Tennekoon,General in 1676,escaped from King Rajasinghe 2 and joined the Dutch in Malwana. And is believed to have been settled in Galkissa of Salpita Korale. Gankanda arachchi  became Alexander de Saram.

 

Phillipoe de Alwis of Bentota married Macka around 1739 and settled in Salpita Korale. And may have settled in Galkissa, close to Christ Church Dehiwela/Galkissa. Phillipoe is the father of Don Daniel de Alwis, b around 1740.

 

Daniel de Alwis's son Adrian de Alwis lived with his aunt,Liender de Saram's wife Maria Johanna Perera,in Galkissa around 1779. (Liender de Saram is a son of Anthonan de Saram, and a grand son of Alexander de Saram.)

Phillip Seneviratne of Duwa watte walauwwa Desastara Kalutara married in 1786, Ana Helena daughter of Daniel de Alwis. Wedding at Christ Church Dehiwela/Galkissa.

Phillip Seneviratne's grand son, Thomas married around 1885, Jane Rejo de Alwis and settled in Galkissa Walauwwa.

 

Gankanda aracchi was attached to Don Manual Tennakoon,Disawa of Beminiwatte. Manual Tennakoon fled to Colombo and joined the Dutch on 12/2/1676 with 300 followers,when his brother was killed by King Rajasinghe 2 in 1676.

 

Probably he too came to Colombo in 1676 from Seethawaka, and joined the Dutch Governtment, which gave him the Muhandiram post

 

Gankanda arachchi joined the Dutch in 1676, and took the name Alexander de Saram. He was appointed Mudliyar Salpita Korale. He and his son Anthonan de Saram was given planting leases to plant coconut in Wellawatte (16,000 coconut trees or 250 acres, according to SF vol 3,page 90 and Galkissa.15,000 coconut trees or 234 acres,according to Dutch internet document) . But around year 1730, the Wellawatte and Galkissa lands were sold to Anthonan de Saram by the Dutch Governtment. (Change of land policy,sold to Mudliyars who planted the land.)

Anthonan de Saram'son was Gankanda arachcige Simon de Saram. His son was Louis de Saram, b1770. And his son was Leonard de Saram b 1814. His wife was Susana Hetroyda de Alwis. Leonard de Saram inherited 75 acres at Wellawatte and 20 acres at Galkissa.

 

From the last will of Susanna Hetroyda de Alwis of Galkissa, widow of Leonard de Saram.Will date 2/2/1885 (Leonard de Saram did not have children, Daniel and Jane were Leonard's sisters, grand children.)

Para 1 to 14. To Daniel Albert de Alwis Weerasinghe Siriwardene Goonetileka

 

49 acres at Wellawatte, Nugegewatte 25 Perches

Kongaha Kumbura,Bakalaya field,Bogaha Kumbura,Karandegaha Kumbura,Weweboda kumbura,Bakmeegaha kumbura,

Land from sea to Galle Road about 15 acres,conveyed to the crown for compensation in 1844,which is present day the Galkissa cemetery and behind a low income housing scheme.

Para 15 to 19 To Thomas Leonard Gunasekara Seneviratne,Husband/o Jane Rejo de Alwis

25 acres at Wellawatte

Land at Delgahalande Udepila Siyane Korale

To Helena Eliza de Alwis (Mother od Daniel Albert de Alwis and Jane Rejo de Alwis)

2 land strips Kongahawatte,and Nelligahawatte at Galkissa (adjoining present day Arpico)

Liyanaparangiya watte 2A2R11P, land opposite Galkissa cemetery, Galkissa Walauwwa in Mihindu Mawatha in this premises.

Daniel Albert  seems to have got about 60 perches bodering Terrance Avenue,opposite former odeon cinema, which later went to her daughter Lilian de Alwis, who around 1930 sold it to her cousin Edwin Seneviratne.

Jane Rejo de Alwis seems to have got about 2 acres at Kawdana where her 3 sons seem to have donated the land to build a temple around 1925. Pesently Anusubodharama temple of Kawdana exists.

Murder by chloroform at Duff House, Bagatalle Road

By Jayantha Gunasekera

Part 1

View (s) :

Maha Mudaliyar Sir Solomon Dias Bandaranaike of Horogolla Walauwe had two daughters and a son. The son was SWRD, Prime Minister of Ceylon, from 1956 to 1959. He married Sirimavo, one of the daughters of Barnes Ratwatte (later Sir Barnes) . She was a good 18 years SWRD’s junior in age. Though Sir Solomon was not a man of education, he aspired to high titular office. He aped the British so much that he named his son Solomon West Ridgeway after a British Governor.

SWRD was educated at St Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia, a Christian school, and at the University of Oxford, where he was elected Treasure of the Oxford Union. He was admitted to the English Bar and, on his return, he practised his profession for a few years. Thereafter, he took to politics and was elected as the representative for Veyangoda. Unlike his father, he was national minded, and donned the “ariyasinhala” dress, and even became a Buddhist.

One of Sir Solomon’s daughters was given in marriage to Leo D’Alwis of Mt. Lavinia. The D’Alwis’ were possessed/o vast tracts of agricultural property, and property in the Western Province. Leo’s sister, Lillian Roslin de Alwis, was given in marriage to a Cambridge-educated, non-practising barrister – Stephen Seneviratne. The bride was a lady of large proportions, heavily built. Stephen was the eldest son of Attapattu Mudaliyar Solomon Seneviratne, and his mother was a sister of the Maha Mudaliyar. So we see that Stephen and wife were both closely related to Sir Solomon.

Stephen’s country residence was Kandahena Estate, Veyangoda. Stephen and his wife, soon after they married, resided at White House, Ward Place, Colombo. 7, which was not such a residential area, as it is now. He had a short stint at the Bar, but left and joined the Valuation Dept. as a Govt. Assessor. Within a few years he left Govt. service and did freelance Valuation for the Public Trustees Dept. and the State Mortgage Bank. He did not thereafter show any inclination to engage in intellectual pursuits and to continue as a member of the Bar. He was more interested in managing his agricultural lands. He was particularly interested in animal husbandry and poultry rearing, hardly the kind/o activity expected/o a Cambridge-educated lawyer. Perhaps Stephen knew his limitations. He knew only too well that qualifying as a lawyer was one thing, and practising was quite another. His son Terence, perhaps, took to agriculture, and became the Director of Agriculture at Peradeniya, due to his father’s influence.

After a difficult confinement, Mrs Seneviratne gave birth to their only child, Terrence and the doctor in attendance was Dr S.C. Paul, one of the earliest Ceylonese to qualify as a surgeon. Some years after the birth of the baby, Mrs Seneviratne developed an early diabetic condition. At the time of her marriage, both her parents were dead, being chronic diabetics. She was given in marriage by her brother Leo D’ Alwis, who was extremely fond/o her. Mrs Seneviratne developed a morbid frame of mind and made no bones about the fact that she too would not live long, like her parents.

A few years later, Stephen decided to sell White House, which he had inherited. Mrs Seneviratne had constant breezes with Stephen over this sale. He sold a dowry property at Wellawatte and with the proceeds he purchased the farm at Nawala and an estate at Alawwa.
Another matter that they were quarrelling about was a servant girl called Jessie. Mrs Seneviratne had suspicions that Stephen was having an illicit affair with Jessie. This girl was sacked by Mrs Seneviratne, but re-employed by Stephen to work in the Nawala property.

After the sale of White House, they shifted to a rented house in Arbuthnot Street, until April 1933, when they shifted to Duff House at Bagatalle Road in October of the same year. While living at Arbuthnot St, she wrote to Stephen the following letter, which was produced at the trial. The letter read; “By creeping into a miserable house for Rs100/- if anything goes wrong with my child, I will without hesitation kill myself then and there. I will not be a burden and a stumbling block to you much longer. Only a few years is all that is left for me. Every morning, noon and night I will pray to God to shorten my days. With every charitable act I shall pray for the same thing. I now live as a prisoner in the cell, waiting for the end/o his term. I will not live for more than 40 or 50 years, because my parents died early. I will await death my comforter and redeemer. Can you buy me a pistol before I go to the other house. At least alone I will have some sort of defence then.”

Their son Terrence was very attached to his father. His mother used to beat him up whenever she lost her temper. Over this too, there were constant quarrels between husband and wife. She also disapproved/o Stephen visiting his sister-in-law, Mrs Francis Seneviratne at Veyangoda.

Mrs Stephen Seneviratne, according to the evidence led at the trial, was a highly strung neurotic person. She flew into a rage for trivial matters, and often used to lock herself up and refuse to eat, for several days. She thought that White House was haunted and complained/o ghosts. Noises of polecats used to be considered by her as strange noises. Stephen never took his wife seriously and treated her in a light hearted manner. They had been leading a cat and dog life for some years before her death.

At Duff House Mrs Seneviratne slept with her maid Alpina. In the next room, Terrence slept with his Nurse Mabel Joseph. According to Alpina, Mrs Seneviratne spent a restless night on the day in question, and woke up twice, once to close the shutters due to the rains, and again, to drink some water. Was she tossing in bed contemplating the drastic action she was hoping to take in the morning?

At 6 a.m., according to Alpina, the lady was awake. Alpina went to the kitchen. About 15 minutes later, their 15-year-old servant boy Seelas, and driver Perera told Alpina that the lady wanted her. As she entered her mistress’s room she noticed an oily smell. Because the lady was lying across the bed with her head towards the wall and legs hanging over the outer edge of the bed, her master went to the lady’s bed and fanned his wife with a book, and sent the maid for some brandy, and hot water in empty beer bottles which her master applied to the various parts of her mistress’s body. He also attempted artificial respiration.

According to Alpina and 21-year-old Mabel Joseph, the lady was alive on Sunday October 15th at 6.15 a.m. There was a bottle of Aspirin tablets in her room. Did the servants hear a scream, a groan or a gurgling sound?

Then the car was sent to fetch the aunt of Mrs Stephen — Mrs Harry Dias Bandaranaike and the family doctor, Dr S.C. Paul.

If Stephen was responsible for her death, rather than suicide, “it would have to be a carefully prepared and a well timed act, on his part, to come into his wife’s room ready with the bottle of smelling salts, filled with chloroform, poured the chloroform on to a handkerchief of his wife and smothered her by placing the saturated hankie over her mouth and nostrils, and then gone into his son’s room and being seen by Alpina, coming out of the room”.

There was ample evidence that Mrs Seneviratne was familiar with the use of chloroform, and that she was aware of the fact that chloroform was available in the house.

Dr Paul arrived at Duff House along with Mrs Harry Dias Bandaranaike on the morning of 15th October. Though Dr Paul thought it was a case of suicide by taking an overdose of Aspirin, he telephoned the Coroner, the Police and Leo D’Alwis. On learning later that the Police and the Coroner did not suspect foul play, and did not propose to take any action, he gave a certificate that death was due to syncope or heart failure, following an over dose of Aspirin. Leo D’Alwis had himself noticed the marks on the face but did not seriously suspect foul play, as his sister had threatened suicide, many times.

On October 16th, the funeral took place. Leo D’Alwis’ suspicions grew as there were frequent quarrels between his sister and Stephen and he was not satisfied about the marks on her face. On the advice of Dr Paul, Leo made a complaint on November 7th. Inquest proceedings began before EHR Tennison, Police Magistrate. Tennison ordered the exhumation and the post-morten examination was conducted by Dr TS Nair, the JMO. Tennison was of the opinion that Mrs Seneviratne was murdered. On December 3rd the Additional Magistrate CBP Perera started Non-Summary Proceedings, continued day to day, and the accused Stephen Seneviratne was committed to stand his trial before the Supreme Court.

NEXT – Supreme Court Trial of Stephen Seneviratne and Appeal to the Privy Council – Part 2
 (The writer expresses his gratitude to Firoze Sameer, for having provided him with some literature regarding this case)

Murder by chloroform at Duff House

By Jayantha Gunasekera

 

Part 2

The trial of Stephen Seneviratne began on May 14, 1934, at the Colombo Assizes before the first Malay Judge of the Supreme Court, Justice M.T. Akbar, and an English speaking jury. This judge was considered a clever legal personality.

Deputy Solicitor General MWH de Silva with Crown Counsel HL Wendt and Police Superintendent JRG Bantock and Dr MVP Pieris appeared for the prosecution. Dr Pieris assisted in the examination of the medical witnesses. Incidentally, DSG Silva subsequently became the Attorney General and after his retirement was appointed Minister of Justice.

King’s Counsel RL Pereira, HAP Sandrasagara KC and Stanley Obeysekera KC, with Eric Soysa and PHP Jayatilleke appeared for Stephen Seneviratne.

Pereira and Sangrasagara were the top criminal lawyers at that time. Amongst the prosecution witnesses were Alpina the servant woman, Mabel Joseph the nanny, Seelas, Martin and Banda — the servant boys, K.D. Simon the cook, and driver Simon Perera.

Thereafter, Mrs Harry Dias Banadaranaike, Mr and Mrs Charles Seneviratne, Mr and Mrs Leo D’Alwis, Edmund Dassanaike, Proctor Felix Jayawardene, Dr Gunaratnam Cooke and Mrs Ohlmus also gave evidence, for the prosecution.

The job of the prosecution was tricky and had to be handled delicately because Mrs Stephen Seneviratne had on more than one occasion threatened to commit suicide. All the defence had to do was, not to prove that Stephen did not commit the murder, but only to create a reasonable doubt.

The trial judge Justice Akbar was a deeply religious man, who could be swayed by religious sentiments, apart from the evidence. This was a case where much medical (technical) evidence needed evaluation, and Judge Akbar was quite competent to handle this aspect. Akbar Hall in the Peradeniya Campus is named after him.

Many doctors gave evidence. Dr SC Paul’s son Prof. Milroy Paul was firmly of the view that the external injuries were consistent with the application of chloroform, whether self inflicted or applied by an external force. He cut across his father’s view that death was due to syncope or heart failure, following an overdose of Aspirin. Father and son figured prominently in this case, particularly due to their divergent opinions.

Dr SC Paul produced several brilliant children. Milroy Paul, professor of surgery, whose son, Crown Counsel Wakely Paul was a friend/o mine. It is said that he got into the clutches of the LTTE Diaspora, while he was in the US. Another son, ATS Paul was, I believe, a thoracic surgeon. Yet another son was Paul Jayarajan, the father of my schoolmate the late Ana, who lived close to my parental home in Flower Rd, Colombo 7. Paul Jayarajan entered the prestigious Indian Civil Service.

A daughter of Dr SC Paul, I think, married former Solicitor General RR Crossette-Thambiah, whose son Malli Crossette-Thambiaah, was a top lawyer. Another of Dr Paul’s daughters married Mr Rasaretnam, who became Surveyor General. His daughter Sulochana married my friend Ajit Saravanamuttu, the youngest of P Sara’s children. Rasaretnam’s son Rudy was an eminent surgeon. Malli Crossette and Rudy were gentlemen to their fingertips. I believe that Dr SC Paul had many other children, whose names I am not aware of.

Dr MVP Pieris (who also assisted the prosecution) was an eminent surgeon who was ambidextrous. After his retirement, he served as High Commissioner in London. The other medical men who gave evidence were Dr T.S. Nair, who performed the post-mortem examination, and Dr J.S. de Silva (senior anaesthetic at the General Hospital) who categorically stated that the deceased had committed suicide. Dr R.L. Spittel, one of the best known surgeons of his day, was positive that it was homicide. Dr Spittel was well known to the Veddha community. He wrote several books including “Where the wild sambur Roams”. Dr Karunaratne MD was a highly experienced pathologist, who had performed nearly 3000 post-mortem examinations. He was present at the post-mortem of Mrs Seneviratne, and his view was that it was a probable homicide. Therefore, this murder trial was more like a Medical Seminar!

All doctors including Dr SC Paul, were now agreed that chloroform was the cause of death; but there were two groups, (a) those who thought that death was due to Syncope, and (b) others who were of the view that death was due to asphyxia and syncope, or simply by smothering.

The evidence was concluded on June 8, and on the same afternoon the court took the unusual step of visiting Duff House. Although this visit was perfectly legal, it had to be conducted under specific conditions. An experiment before the judge and the foreman of the jury was performed by Dr Pieris, in the absence of the other jurors. Inspector Van Cuylenberg was to lie on a bed and was requested to make noises like groans. The Privy Council decided that these demonstrations were irregular and unnecessary for the administration of justice.

Then began the address to the Jury of Deputey Solicitor General Silva, followed by the brilliant address of Pereira K C.

Stephen Seneviratne was convicted by a 5 – 2 verdict of the Jury, and sentenced to death.

Pereira was easily the most devastating cross examiner of his day, and most witnesses, particularly doctors, dreaded to face him. He had a bull dog like exterior, and many a doctor had fainted under his cross examination. He lived in an enormous house at the intersection of Green Path and Flower Road, Colombo 7, which now houses the Education Dept. He had two children, Carmen West, and R.G.C. Pereira, the son who outshone the father, in the father’s life time. RGC was to be conferred Silk, but for his untimely death in his 50s. Due to differences of opinion with his father, he chose to live in a suite in the Galle Face Hotel.

There was no Court of Criminal Appeal then, and Stephen Seneviratne appealed to the Privy Council in England. The Appeal came up before Lord Maugham, Lord Roche and Sir George Rankin. D. B. Sommerville KC (Attorney General of England), with L. M. D. De Silva KC appeared for the AG of Ceylon, while Seneviratne was represented by H. I. P. Hallet KC and R. L. Pereira KC.

On July 29, 1936, their Lordships of the Privy Council advised His Majesty the King, that the Appeal was allowed, and the death sentenced quashed. Seneviratne left prison after spending 30 months, and rejoined his son whom he was immensely fond of.

Many strictures were passed by the Privy Council on Justice Akbar’s Charge to the Jury. It is rumoured that Akbar suffered a nervous breakdown, and retired prematurely.

Other Seneviratne Family details:

A) Ceylon Light Infantry Officers List
     Bertram Lucian Seneviratne
    1954 Douglas Basil Seneviratne

B) 1  Seneviratne (had 8 children)

       2  Don Bastian Seneviratne (School Master-Welapura Kalutara)

         3  Rosila+ (married at Beruwala)

         3  Pedroe + Dona Apolonia

         3  Maria

       2  Don Pedroe + Ana (they had 4 children0

         3  Don Louis Abeysiriwardena Seneviratne Mohandiram + Dona Simona Silva (they had 4 children)

            4. Carolis Seneviratne + Cornelia Dias Bandaranaike.

 (This Carolis Seneviratne seems to be the same Carolis mentioned in page 1 of the chart. Alive1753,if he is the same person, this family is connected to Reynolds family as said in Sinhalese families book.)

 

C) 1.Seneviratne Hidellikoralage Abraham J de Alwis b20/7/1853

D) 1 Don Philip Jayasekera Seneviratne Sudusingha. Mohandiram of Kalutara (alive1709) + Dona Anna

      2 Regina Seneviratne + Hettimulle Canahara Mudiyanselage Don Louis Perera Samarawira Gunerwardena

         Basnaike Mohandiram.

         3.Abraham Perera Kuruwe Mudaliyar bp 28/1/1744- d 23/11/1790

         3 Maria Johanna bp 17/8/1742

         3 Appolonia bp17/10/1747+Daniel de Alwis

         3 Richard bp 20/2/1748

         3 Phillip bp 10/8/1733

         3 Carolus bp 31/7/1745

        3 Madalena bp 228/1758

        3 Cecilia bp 10/9/1760

      2.Carouis Sudusingha Mudaliyar Kalutara (M1)

         3. Christian Sudusngha + Cecilia Johanna Perera

          4 Maria +Philipoe M28/8/1755

            5 Floris bp 10/9/1760

            5 Cornelia bp 21/8/1763

            5 Regina bp 20/9/1766

            5 Johanna bp 2/6/1770

            5 Regina bp 7/2/1773

      2 Carolus Sudasingha + (m2) 26/10/1777 Dona Francina Perera

      2.Richard + Leonara Philipsz Panditharatne (d/o Philipsz Panditharatne Maha Mudaliyar.)

         3.Don Johannes.

 

On 1/8/1818 D.A.S Sudusingha was appointed captain of the native militia.

 

E)  1 Joan Alwis Wijewardene Seneviratne Maha Mudaliyar of the Gate.Gold medal 1762

         2 Don Simon de Silva Jayatilleke Seneviratne (Maha Mudaliyar and 1st Interpreter of the Gate.Title given on

           17th April 1766.)

           3 Louisa Seneviratne + Don Carolus de Livera Wijewickreme Tennekoon.Mudaliyar Received medal in 1804 (Son of Louis Wijewickreme Seneviratne Tennakoon Atttapatu Mudaliyar)

              4 David de Livera Wijewardene Tennakoon.

              4 Louis de Livera Samaranaike Tennakoon Mudaliyar bp 8/5/1796

              4 Petronella de Livera bp 8/5/1796

              4 Maria de Livera bp 21/8/1791

           3 David Seneviratne + Siriwardena (M27/11/1791)

 

F)  1 Don Simon Seneviratne Maha Mudaliyar (Son of Manikkoe de Silva,Thombo holder of Galle,Will dated 17/12/1765.Simon had brothers Joan,Abraham and Adrian Goonathileke Samaranaike')

Simon married Dona Maria Perera Ekanaike of Panadura d28/3/1822.

         2 Maria Seneviratne bp 16/12/1770

         2 Christina Elizebetha Seneviratne bp 22/10/1775

         2 Jacoba Seneviratne bp 26/9/1773  (see pieris Deraniyagala family tree)

         2 Don  Davith Siriwardena Seneviratne Attapattu Mudaliyar and Mudaliyar of Kalutara,Raiygam Korale.

            bp 19/11/1769,married 1.Maria,daughter of Isaac de Saram MM,married 2.in 1803,Isabella daughter of

            Paules Perera Ekanayake,Mudaliyar Siyane Korale.

        2 Don Simon Barendt Jayatilleke Seneviratne,Mohandiram of the Gate bp 3/3/1772,died 25/8/1837.Married

           1/3/1804 dona Catharina de Saram, daughter of Louis de Saram MM

 

G) A.C Seneviratne

H) Seneviratne + Johanna Dias Bandaranayake (d/o Don Solomon DB)

 

 

 

I) Haramanis Abeyesekere Seneviratne (Vidhana Mohandiram Gangebodapattu)

J) Simon de Rodrigo Wijesekere Seneviratne

K) Carolis Jayasinghe Seneviratne Sudusinghe

References:

Sinhalese families by PE Pieris.

Internet.

Chieftains of Ceylon.

References:

Sinhalese families by PE Pieris.

Internet.

Chieftains of Ceylon.

 

Description: Description: http://www.worldgenweb.org/lkawgw/phillipsen.jpg

 

Dutch certificate received by Don Phillip Gunasekera Seneviratne in 1794.

Certificate given by Governor Van de Graaf

 

References:

Sinhalese families by PE Pieris.

Internet.

Chieftains of Ceylon.

 

References: Sinhalese Families by Paul E Pieris

Prepared by.

Manjula de Livera

 

manjulafamily@yahoo.com.au

manjuladelivera@yahoo.com.au

15th Nov 2015

Gertrude de Livera nee Seneviratne

Description: Description: gertrude seneviratne.jpg

Biography

 

Novelist Gertrude de Livera (nee Seneviratne)b1931,a student of Girls High School Mt Lavinia, and St Paul’s Milagiriya ,obtained the Senior School Certificate with a first division pass with Distinctions in English and English Literature. .She went on to graduate in Bachelor of Arts from the University of Ceylon (Peradeniya)in 1955.

Subsequently she obtained her Master of Arts qualifying from the Kelaniya University (Sri Lanka) and Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Colombo.She also holds a Diploma ,from the London school of Journalism.

 

She joined the English Department of the Kelaniya University in 1970, and at the time of retirement in 1990 she held the post of Senior English Instructor in the University.

 

She has written several short stories, and has published a short story book named “Some Middle Class Sri Lankans”

 

She has thought English Literature and English Language to many students.

 

Gertrude de Livera, married Louis Charles de Livera (Carl) a prominent Lawyer in 1955,and had the children Sunil, Manjula and Lankika.

 

She currently lives in her retirement in Dehiwela ,Sri Lanka.

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 Gertrude de Livera nee Seneviratne and family.

Standing

Lankika de Livera,Gertrude de Livera nee Seneviratne,Dr Premalatha Seneviratne

Seated

Rahul de Livera,Manjula de Livera,Lakshmi de Livera,Shruti de Livera,Kusan Panditharatne

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Soloman Seneviratne       Charlie Senewiratne         Phillip Senewiratne 

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Francis Senewiratne      Edwin Senewiratne               Jimmy Senewiratne

 

 

 









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Alexander de Alwis  Terrance Senewiratne  Nanda Senewiratne   Ranjith Senewiratne  Tissa Senewiratne

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 Lankika de Livera  Manjula de Livera with Dr Tissa Senewiratne at Galkissa Walauwa                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                     

 


Migration Pattern

 

Other possible Seneviratne relatives

1 Seneviratne Edward Acland b1856 Ceylon Civil Service

2 Seneviratne John Graham b1855 CCS

3 Seneviratne James Caulfield b1850 CCS

4 Seneviratne Don Hendrick b1851 CCS (2 children)

5 Seneviratne John Henry b1849 CCS (1 child)

6 Seneviratne Fredrick William b1861 CCS (married)

 

 


 

He made time for everyone

DR TISSA SENEWIRATNE  23/3/1940-25/5/2023

Thaththi

Thaththi was my role model, not as a father figure alone, but as a human being. Amongst those who knew him personally, professionally or indirectly, there are very few who have not experienced his attention to detail, his happy go lucky attitude, his commitment to work and his non-intrusive method/o getting things done the correct way with minimum fuss or effort.

He was never a person to talk about the great things he had done or the number of people he touched and helped, with no reward or recognition; he was a man who would never shy away from hard work or getting his hands dirty if needed. This meant that people could not ‘fudge’ around him, they would be compelled to work/help. He paid no heed to status, which is something I personally live by, his attitude of respecting others and believing in people has helped me throughout my life.

Time, he had for anyone, be it work, his family or even a stranger; the way he made time for his garden, music and for hobbies was so amazing. Growing up, I remember him going out in the middle of the night to attend to a patient or some other urgent matter, which he need not have done, as he was in preventive medicine and public health; but that was the way he was wired!

His approach to life and the impact he made on my life and the lives of so many others, cannot be summarised in a simple appreciation. Again, the many people who knew him and us, and people who helped him after he retired, have in unison said the same thing and that made me understand that he lived a simple life, did what he had to do, with no expectations, enjoyed his life and made sure his family did the same.

We are so grateful that he played such an important part in our lives.

————–

Uncle Tissa

Everyone remembers Uncle Tissa as a kind person who never hesitated to dispense medical advice to anyone who needed it, from his own family to his mechanic and our regular tuk drivers.

He loved his music and his garden both of which brought him immense pleasure and relaxation. When he was working, he would garden till late at night. Music brought him immense pleasure and there were a couple of occasions when we would wake up in the middle of the night and hear Christmas tunes, in June! We played some baila tunes for him in the hospital to help ease his discomfort and I like to think that it brought him at least a few moments of joy.

Uncle was also an excellent carpenter and made most of the shelves and cupboards at home. When I ran out of space for my shoes, Chaminda asked him to make a shoe rack for me and it is still as good as new 20 plus years down the line! He could repair almost anything and had numerous bags of odds and ends which he felt might come in useful to that end – a trait he has passed on to both his children! Uncle was a proud Thomian and was part of the centenary group, supporting College in any way he could. A man of few words, he portrayed true Thomian grit in the way he lived his life, and fought his illness.

—————

Seeya

Seeya has played many roles for many people; to my sister and me, he was a best friend. There are too many good memories and so few words to truly capture everything he has done and all he means to us, but in a nutshell, he was an extraordinary human being.
He never failed to show us his excitement and joy for whatever we decided to pursue, be it education, sport, or even a hobby. Teatime with him, also included getting our pressure checked – not that he insisted, but we did, every time – and he’d gladly check and give us a report too.

At birthday parties, he and Aachchi would always be the first guests – Aachchi would be there with her homemade cake, and Seeya with his video recorder, ready to capture each year’s birthday celebrations from start to finish.

Our childhood with him was nothing short of fun, from cleaning fish tanks, to mowing the lawn – he somehow made ordinary things seem something to look forward to.

It goes without saying that his passing has saddened our hearts; yet for the life he has shared with us, we’ll always celebrate this unparalleled friendship, the lessons he has taught us, and/o course, the kindness he showed us till his last breath.

Chaminda and Mishthi Senewiratne, and Amashi de Mel.

 

Prepared by - Mr Manjula de Livera

email-  manjuladelivera@yahoo.com.au

Date-14th March 2024