Perera  Family #3879

පෙරේරා

The name Perera/Pereira was given by Portuguese to some families that converted to Catholicism in the 1500’s-1600’s. Others received that name by marrying Portuguese soldiers with the name Pereyra (which changed to Perera and Pereira in Ceylon).  Temporal and Spiritual Conquest of Ceylon by Fernão de Queyroz mentions this Catholicizing process, as well as the names of many of these Pereyra soldiers.

(NOTE: names like  Seneviratne, Siriwardene, Jayatilleke Seneviratne Gunesekere, Goonetilleke, Abeyewickreme, Bandaranaike, were given by the Dutch and Portuguese when promoted to certain positions. Many people from many families received such names).   P.5 Chieftains of Ceylon.

Perera   - Family #3879

     0  Simon Perera (Wijesundera Seneviratne)  Mudaliyar  (see deed  Some Sinhalese Families Vol 3 and 4)

1   Don Joan Perera Wijesundera Seneviratne Kulatileke Mudaliyar of Alutkulu Korale  +  Hertroyda? Gertroyda? de Saram m. 1770

       2. Dona Elizabeth bp 1770 + Don Hendrick Amarasekara Jayewardena Mohandiram m 1789 at Dandugama (p.54)

1  Don Simon (Wijesundera Seneviratne) Mohandiram  + Catherina Perera m1769

1  Don Marsal Wijesundera Seneviratne Samarasinha Mudaliar of Negambo + Dona Francina m. 1788

1  Don Hendrik (Wijesundera Seneviratne) Mohandiram + Dona Francina de Saram  m.1798

 1  Don Johannes (Wijesundera Seneviratne) Vidane Arachi + Dona Catherina Silva m. 1804

In 1675 there was a Widjesoendere Modliar in the Galle Commandment. P.24 vol 2 P.Pieris book. There was also a Wijesundere Appuhamy, Maha Mohottiar of the Atapattu p.25.  Not sure if they were relatives of this family.

This family may be members of the Udunuwara Urulawatte Wijesundera Perera (Family # 3128). Research is under way to find out.  If anyone has information pertaining to this, please contact sgenweb@gmail.com.

1.   Sinhalē and the patriots, 1815-1818

                                                 Research done by: Anne-Marie Samarasinghe