We focus on recording the achievements of our Kayts East Community living worldwide!
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Cultivate a new sense without being a nuisance! - J.F. Jegarajasingham
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"Canada Kayts East"
Litany of St. Anthony!
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Prayer to St. Anthony!
Traditional Songs Devoted to St. Anthony!
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Church Parapet Wall Plastering!
01 June 2023
28 May 2023
23 August 2023
Kayts, St. Anthony.s Church, compound wall plastering in progress,
with the supervision of the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. S. J. Q. Jeyaranajan.
Sponsors : Canada Kayts East Association.
with the supervision of the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. S. J. Q. Jeyaranajan.
Sponsors : Canada Kayts East Association.
We are trying to collect the photos of our ancestors of Kayts East Community.
If anyone has the missing photos, please share them with us. Let us remember our pioneers.
If anyone has the missing photos, please share them with us. Let us remember our pioneers.
Articles written by Mr. S. M. Joseph
15 April 2023
Altar Ready for the Easter Vigil!
Karampon Yuvan Kavithaikal!
06 January 2023
The Priests and Nuns of St. Anthony's Church, Kayts!
Rev. Fr. Victor Rajanayagam.
Kayts, St. Anthony’s Church Community has produced four priests and two nuns, so far, to serve the Catholic Church. Rev. Fr. Victor Rajanayagam, the first priest from St. Anthony’s parishioners was born on 23 December 1914. He had his primary education at St. Anthony’s College, Kayts. Later his parents sent him to St. Parick’s College, Jaffna for higher studies where he completed his Matriculation.
Young Victor entered the Benedictine Religious Order in 1935 and began his Novitiate Training in 1936. Having completed his Philosophical and Theological Training at the then famous Papal Seminary of Ambitiya, he ordained a priest on 26th December 1942, by Bernard Regno OSB at the Kandy Cathedral. He offered his First Holy Mass on 28th December 1942 at his own Home Parish Church and the overjoyed people of East Street, Kayts organized a grand reception for him on that memorable occasion.
Soon after his ordination, he started his priestly ministry at Whacotte Shrine of St. Anthony. Then he took charge of the Parish of Katugastota in the Diocese of Kandy, where he in no time initiated the work of building a new parish church dedicated to the Sacred Heart. He then moved on to the windy and hilly town of Ragala. A church dedicated to the Holy Rosary was built by him on top of a hill in this town with a small mission house attached to it. Being a good builder, wherever he went he used to put up buildings that even now stand proof to his vision and farsightedness for the development of the church in that place. In addition to establishing a very good rapport with the parishioners, he was also very friendly with the planters as well as officers in that area.
With all these labors for his people, his health began to be affected. He soon began suffering from bronchial trouble and within a short while he became a chronic Asthmatic patient and suffered much. Since the cold weather constantly troubled him, he took the trouble to learn some elementary knowledge of medicine and nursing all by himself. Every Sunday before Mass this gentle priest used to conduct an OPD clinic for people who were affected by different illnesses. Many people from the estates came to receive medical attention and also to get his blessing. From Ragala he moved on to Bohanwantalawa where he is still remembered even today by the people of the place. He saw the need to provide a solid education to the Catholic children from the estates. He got down Catholic Tamil Teachers from the North and provided them with the facility to remain there and impart good education to the children. The parents in his parish were very appreciative of what he was doing for the development of their children’s education. He threw his whole weight to start the building work of a spacious Mission House of Bogawantalawa and he was able to complete the work to the happiness of his folk.
He went to the USA in 1960 and began serving in a parish in Clifton in New Jersey Diocese. Meanwhile, very soon his Asthma became chronic and the periodic bouts left him drained of strength and made it difficult for him to continue his parish work. He then took up the practice of yoga seriously which brought him some relief. Later he shifted to St. Anne’s in Bronx, New York. When he was in New York, with the help of some friends and benefactors from the States was able to sponsor a few Sri Lankans to advance their education and careers in the States. Though he was in the States he did not forget his parental church at Kayts. He made arrangements to send a marble altar, gunmetal Tabernacle, two life-size statues of Cherubim in adoration, Mass Vestments, Chalices, Ciborium, Candle stand, etc.
In 1967 he went to Australia and served in Sydney for a short period, but since his health problem persist him to return to Arizona in the State of Texas where the climate was of some help him. Fr. Victor used to conduct yoga classes once a week at the parish hall which was well attended. He was remembered in Texas as a Yoga Master.
After serving the Lord with great devotion, for three decades, in 1972, he met with a fatal accident in Phoenix, Arizona, and passed away at the age of 58. May his soul rest in peace!
Young Victor entered the Benedictine Religious Order in 1935 and began his Novitiate Training in 1936. Having completed his Philosophical and Theological Training at the then famous Papal Seminary of Ambitiya, he ordained a priest on 26th December 1942, by Bernard Regno OSB at the Kandy Cathedral. He offered his First Holy Mass on 28th December 1942 at his own Home Parish Church and the overjoyed people of East Street, Kayts organized a grand reception for him on that memorable occasion.
Soon after his ordination, he started his priestly ministry at Whacotte Shrine of St. Anthony. Then he took charge of the Parish of Katugastota in the Diocese of Kandy, where he in no time initiated the work of building a new parish church dedicated to the Sacred Heart. He then moved on to the windy and hilly town of Ragala. A church dedicated to the Holy Rosary was built by him on top of a hill in this town with a small mission house attached to it. Being a good builder, wherever he went he used to put up buildings that even now stand proof to his vision and farsightedness for the development of the church in that place. In addition to establishing a very good rapport with the parishioners, he was also very friendly with the planters as well as officers in that area.
With all these labors for his people, his health began to be affected. He soon began suffering from bronchial trouble and within a short while he became a chronic Asthmatic patient and suffered much. Since the cold weather constantly troubled him, he took the trouble to learn some elementary knowledge of medicine and nursing all by himself. Every Sunday before Mass this gentle priest used to conduct an OPD clinic for people who were affected by different illnesses. Many people from the estates came to receive medical attention and also to get his blessing. From Ragala he moved on to Bohanwantalawa where he is still remembered even today by the people of the place. He saw the need to provide a solid education to the Catholic children from the estates. He got down Catholic Tamil Teachers from the North and provided them with the facility to remain there and impart good education to the children. The parents in his parish were very appreciative of what he was doing for the development of their children’s education. He threw his whole weight to start the building work of a spacious Mission House of Bogawantalawa and he was able to complete the work to the happiness of his folk.
He went to the USA in 1960 and began serving in a parish in Clifton in New Jersey Diocese. Meanwhile, very soon his Asthma became chronic and the periodic bouts left him drained of strength and made it difficult for him to continue his parish work. He then took up the practice of yoga seriously which brought him some relief. Later he shifted to St. Anne’s in Bronx, New York. When he was in New York, with the help of some friends and benefactors from the States was able to sponsor a few Sri Lankans to advance their education and careers in the States. Though he was in the States he did not forget his parental church at Kayts. He made arrangements to send a marble altar, gunmetal Tabernacle, two life-size statues of Cherubim in adoration, Mass Vestments, Chalices, Ciborium, Candle stand, etc.
In 1967 he went to Australia and served in Sydney for a short period, but since his health problem persist him to return to Arizona in the State of Texas where the climate was of some help him. Fr. Victor used to conduct yoga classes once a week at the parish hall which was well attended. He was remembered in Texas as a Yoga Master.
After serving the Lord with great devotion, for three decades, in 1972, he met with a fatal accident in Phoenix, Arizona, and passed away at the age of 58. May his soul rest in peace!
Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Savundaranayagam.
Thomas Savundaranayagam was born on 13th July 1938 in Kayts. Late Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Varapragasam were his parents. He had his primary education at St. Anthony’s College, Kayts. He later entered St. Patrick’s College and then joined St. Martin’s Seminary in Jaffna in 1953 where he completed four years of training in 1957, he continued his studies at the National Seminary in Kandy. His ordination to the priesthood took place on 21 December 1863.
As a priest Fr. Savundaranayagam served in various parts of the diocese of Jaffna. Then his service spread to Vanni and Mannar. During this period of grass-roots ministry, he gained wide experience in Catechistic and Social Communications Media. Further to the experience, he gained in those areas, he had the opportunity of getting advanced training in Catechistic in Bangalore. Accordingly, at the diocesan level, he was privileged to hold the post of the Diocesan Director of Catechistic. Having obtained a wide experience for fourteen years as a priest, he was selected to be sent for higher theological studies in Rome where he entered the Urban University and obtained a Doctorate in Biblical Theology in1981.While being a student in Rome, his exemplary life of prayer seemed to have impressed the College and the Vatican authorities so much, and he was appointed as the First Bishop of the New Diocese of Mannar soon after his return to Sri Lanka.
Fr. Savundaranayagam had the unique experience of going to Rome as a priest student and returning three years later as a readymade Bishop for the new diocese of Mannar. The Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Thomas took place at the shrine of Our Lady of Madhu on 30th July 1981. His term of service as Bishop of Mannar was certainly unforgettable. It was the time of civil war in the country and the conflict was continuously escalating. Hence, he had to devote a good portion of his time for relief and social work. This did not however prevent him from attending to the essential requirements of his ministry. He established the Minor Seminary for the diocese and with a great far-reaching vision set up the other essential requirements, to the best of his ability. As a result of this, the diocese of Mannar had a reasonably good supply of native priests a d some of whom became well qualified.
Rome recognized his ability and performance very positively and decided to give him a further appointment with greater responsibility as the Bishop of Jaffna. His appointment became effective on 8th August 1992. As the war was still raging, he had to migrate to his new diocese through the Kilaly lagoon at night. He took the position of his new diocese on 5th November 1992. From then onwards he had to face incessant fireworks due to the gunfire and shell-bombing of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces and the rival LTTE. In fact, on one occasion he had to flee and live with the displaced civilians in Muhamalai.
Bishop Thomas has always been a people’s bishop. During the tough times, he followed the fold to console, heal, and help them with their spiritual and temporal needs. He truly understood the suffering of the dispersed and displaced people and thus he was able to win the love and respect of people from all walks of life and religious persuasions. His customary simplicity makes him approachable at all times and creates positive rapport. He celebrated his Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee in 2013.
Handing over the responsibility to his successor Rt. Re. Dr. Justin Bernard Gnanapragasam, Bishop Thomas retired from his possession as the Bishop of Jaffna in 2015 at the age of 78. Bishop Thomas will continue to be remembered with deep gratitude by the ordinary people for voicing the untold sufferings of guiltless civilians. May the Lord Almighty sustain him with good health, strength, and happiness to continue his life of witness to the Gospel!
As a priest Fr. Savundaranayagam served in various parts of the diocese of Jaffna. Then his service spread to Vanni and Mannar. During this period of grass-roots ministry, he gained wide experience in Catechistic and Social Communications Media. Further to the experience, he gained in those areas, he had the opportunity of getting advanced training in Catechistic in Bangalore. Accordingly, at the diocesan level, he was privileged to hold the post of the Diocesan Director of Catechistic. Having obtained a wide experience for fourteen years as a priest, he was selected to be sent for higher theological studies in Rome where he entered the Urban University and obtained a Doctorate in Biblical Theology in1981.While being a student in Rome, his exemplary life of prayer seemed to have impressed the College and the Vatican authorities so much, and he was appointed as the First Bishop of the New Diocese of Mannar soon after his return to Sri Lanka.
Fr. Savundaranayagam had the unique experience of going to Rome as a priest student and returning three years later as a readymade Bishop for the new diocese of Mannar. The Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Thomas took place at the shrine of Our Lady of Madhu on 30th July 1981. His term of service as Bishop of Mannar was certainly unforgettable. It was the time of civil war in the country and the conflict was continuously escalating. Hence, he had to devote a good portion of his time for relief and social work. This did not however prevent him from attending to the essential requirements of his ministry. He established the Minor Seminary for the diocese and with a great far-reaching vision set up the other essential requirements, to the best of his ability. As a result of this, the diocese of Mannar had a reasonably good supply of native priests a d some of whom became well qualified.
Rome recognized his ability and performance very positively and decided to give him a further appointment with greater responsibility as the Bishop of Jaffna. His appointment became effective on 8th August 1992. As the war was still raging, he had to migrate to his new diocese through the Kilaly lagoon at night. He took the position of his new diocese on 5th November 1992. From then onwards he had to face incessant fireworks due to the gunfire and shell-bombing of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces and the rival LTTE. In fact, on one occasion he had to flee and live with the displaced civilians in Muhamalai.
Bishop Thomas has always been a people’s bishop. During the tough times, he followed the fold to console, heal, and help them with their spiritual and temporal needs. He truly understood the suffering of the dispersed and displaced people and thus he was able to win the love and respect of people from all walks of life and religious persuasions. His customary simplicity makes him approachable at all times and creates positive rapport. He celebrated his Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee in 2013.
Handing over the responsibility to his successor Rt. Re. Dr. Justin Bernard Gnanapragasam, Bishop Thomas retired from his possession as the Bishop of Jaffna in 2015 at the age of 78. Bishop Thomas will continue to be remembered with deep gratitude by the ordinary people for voicing the untold sufferings of guiltless civilians. May the Lord Almighty sustain him with good health, strength, and happiness to continue his life of witness to the Gospel!
Rev. Fr. Jude Angelo Amirthanayagam.
Rev. Fr. Jude Angelo Amirthanayagam is the third priest of Kayts. St. Anthony’s Parish, who joined OMI Congregation, with the ambition of becoming a priest. He is the second son of the Late Mr. Amirthanayagam Singarayer and Late Mrs. Iris Marianthamby of Kayts East. He had his primary and secondary education at St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Colombo, and tertiary education at the University of Jaffna. Young Jude Angelo entered the Sacred Heart Novitiate, Banadarawela, and was ordained a priest on 7th August 1998 at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Maradana. He obtained the Bachelor of Theology at the Urbania University, Rome, and the Post-Graduate Diploma in Education at the Open University of Sri Lanka.
After a short period of service in Pakistan, he served as a teacher at St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya, and later at St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena. From 2012 to 2015 he was the parish priest of St. Anthony’s Church, China Bay, Trincomalee. In 2015, he went to Australia as the staff member of Mazenod College, Lesmurdie, Kalamunda, Western Australia, and served there until 2017. In 2017, he joined the Lovely Professional University of India and completed his M.Edu. (School) Management and Leadership, in 2019. Presently Fr. Jude is serving in the Colombo diocese. He is the visiting academic at the Open University of Sri Lanka and Teachers Leadership and development Institute, Meepe.
Pleased to recount that he got the Post-Graduate Diploma in Education at the Open University of Sri Lanka, and later earned the opportunity to serve as the visiting lecturer of the same institution. May the Almighty God bless and guide this devoted priest to serve for many more years!
After a short period of service in Pakistan, he served as a teacher at St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya, and later at St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena. From 2012 to 2015 he was the parish priest of St. Anthony’s Church, China Bay, Trincomalee. In 2015, he went to Australia as the staff member of Mazenod College, Lesmurdie, Kalamunda, Western Australia, and served there until 2017. In 2017, he joined the Lovely Professional University of India and completed his M.Edu. (School) Management and Leadership, in 2019. Presently Fr. Jude is serving in the Colombo diocese. He is the visiting academic at the Open University of Sri Lanka and Teachers Leadership and development Institute, Meepe.
Pleased to recount that he got the Post-Graduate Diploma in Education at the Open University of Sri Lanka, and later earned the opportunity to serve as the visiting lecturer of the same institution. May the Almighty God bless and guide this devoted priest to serve for many more years!
Rev. Fr. Antony Sylvester.
Rev. Fr. Antony Sylvester was born in Kayts in 1969 and had his early education at St.Anthony’s College, Kayts. Young Sylvester joined the OMI congregation and studied Advanced Level at St. Joseph’s Juniorate, Colombothurai. He had his Philosophical studies at St. Francis Xavier’s Major Seminary ColombothuraI and followed his Novitiate Training in Bandarawela. During the period from 1996 to 2000 followed the Theological course at the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka, Ampitiya, Kandy, and St. Francis Xavier’s Major Seminary Colombothurai, Jaffna. He completed a “License in Sacred Theology (STL)” in Rome in 2002.
Soon after Fr. Sylvester ordained a priest in the same year 2002 at St. Sebastian’s Church Mannar. After serving for a short period at Palaiyutru Parish in Trincomalee District, he became the Bursar at Gnanothayam, Oblate Study Centre, Mannar and later Bursar at De Mazenod Scholasticate, Colombuthurai, Jaffna. Following his three years of spiritual service at Haputale parish, he was in charge of relief work in Chettikulam of Vavuniya District, immediately after the civil war. Fr. Sylvester then served as the Director of Oblate Social Service, Annai Illam, Killinochchi for five years and later became the Superior of Oblate Provincialate of Jaffna. Then he was appointed as the Rector of St. Joseph’s Juniorate, Colombothurai, Jaffna. Fr. Sylvester was the Spiritual Director of the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka, Ampitiya, Kandy, for three years until August 2020. Presently he is the parish priest of Sacred Heart of Jesus church, Iruthayapuram, Muthur.
It’s worthy to mention that Fr. Sylvester studied at St. Joseph’s Juniarate Colomothurai and later became the Rector of the same institution. Likewise, he had Theological studies at the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka, Ampitiya, Kandy, and later became the Spiritual Director of the same Seminary. What a remarkable achievement! Let us thank God for abundantly blessing this dedicated priest.
Soon after Fr. Sylvester ordained a priest in the same year 2002 at St. Sebastian’s Church Mannar. After serving for a short period at Palaiyutru Parish in Trincomalee District, he became the Bursar at Gnanothayam, Oblate Study Centre, Mannar and later Bursar at De Mazenod Scholasticate, Colombuthurai, Jaffna. Following his three years of spiritual service at Haputale parish, he was in charge of relief work in Chettikulam of Vavuniya District, immediately after the civil war. Fr. Sylvester then served as the Director of Oblate Social Service, Annai Illam, Killinochchi for five years and later became the Superior of Oblate Provincialate of Jaffna. Then he was appointed as the Rector of St. Joseph’s Juniorate, Colombothurai, Jaffna. Fr. Sylvester was the Spiritual Director of the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka, Ampitiya, Kandy, for three years until August 2020. Presently he is the parish priest of Sacred Heart of Jesus church, Iruthayapuram, Muthur.
It’s worthy to mention that Fr. Sylvester studied at St. Joseph’s Juniarate Colomothurai and later became the Rector of the same institution. Likewise, he had Theological studies at the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka, Ampitiya, Kandy, and later became the Spiritual Director of the same Seminary. What a remarkable achievement! Let us thank God for abundantly blessing this dedicated priest.
Rev. Sr. Naomi Rajanayagam.
We are also blessed to have two nuns from our community. Rev. Sr. Naomi Rajanayagam joined the congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary and became a nun in1975. She was the first woman who became a nun from Kayts East Community. Naomi is the eldest daughter of the late Mr. Nicholas Rajanayagam and the Late Mrs. Grace Anthonysamy of Kayts East.
She had her primary and secondary education at Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena, and got a Diploma in Theology at the Theological College of Pune. After working in Madhu for five years, she continued her service in the hill country areas serving among the tea plantation labor force. Even now she is serving in the estate areas helping the poor workers. In 2018, she celebrated her Golden Anniversary as a nun. May God bless her and keep her in good health to serve the estate community for many more years!
She had her primary and secondary education at Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena, and got a Diploma in Theology at the Theological College of Pune. After working in Madhu for five years, she continued her service in the hill country areas serving among the tea plantation labor force. Even now she is serving in the estate areas helping the poor workers. In 2018, she celebrated her Golden Anniversary as a nun. May God bless her and keep her in good health to serve the estate community for many more years!
Rev. Sr. Mary Kamala Srinathan.
Rev. Sr. Mary Kamala Srinathan entered the congregation of Good Shepherd in 1968 as a pre-postulant and made her first commitment in 1971. Sr. Kamala is the second daughter of the Late Mr. Thomas Srinathan and the Late Mrs. Angela Jebamany of Kayts East. She was sent to work among the estate people, where she initiated many programs for the poor in collaboration with the Sarvodaya Movement.
Later she was asked to work in the Recruitment team for vocations. From then on she continued her higher studies and completed her Bachelor of Arts at Peradeniya University. Then she joined the teaching staff of St. Bridget’s Convent, Bambalapitiya. Meanwhile, since there was a need for a Principal in the Government school, St. Anne’s Vidiyalayam, Vivekananda Hill, Colombo 13, she was appointed for that position. She served as principal for a term of 15 years and retired in 2010. After retirement, she became the Superior of the Good Shepherd convent, Vavuniya. Following that she was appointed Superior of Good Shepherd Convent, Navanthurai in Jaffna District. At present, she is at the formation house, Bandarawela. Let us pray to the Lord to guide her to perform many more years of service.
Unfortunately, for a very long period, none of our youngsters have come forward to sacrifice their lives to serve the Catholic Church. Let us hope that when the calling comes, many more from our Kayts East Community will come forward to dedicate them to the Lord as priests and nuns.
28th September 2020.
Sources:
1. Priesthood 60th Anniversary Souvenir of Rev. Fr. Victor Rajanayagam, published in Dec. 2002.
2. Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee souvenir of Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Savundaranayagam, published in Canada in June 2014.
3. Personal correspondence with the particular priests and nuns.
Later she was asked to work in the Recruitment team for vocations. From then on she continued her higher studies and completed her Bachelor of Arts at Peradeniya University. Then she joined the teaching staff of St. Bridget’s Convent, Bambalapitiya. Meanwhile, since there was a need for a Principal in the Government school, St. Anne’s Vidiyalayam, Vivekananda Hill, Colombo 13, she was appointed for that position. She served as principal for a term of 15 years and retired in 2010. After retirement, she became the Superior of the Good Shepherd convent, Vavuniya. Following that she was appointed Superior of Good Shepherd Convent, Navanthurai in Jaffna District. At present, she is at the formation house, Bandarawela. Let us pray to the Lord to guide her to perform many more years of service.
Unfortunately, for a very long period, none of our youngsters have come forward to sacrifice their lives to serve the Catholic Church. Let us hope that when the calling comes, many more from our Kayts East Community will come forward to dedicate them to the Lord as priests and nuns.
28th September 2020.
Sources:
1. Priesthood 60th Anniversary Souvenir of Rev. Fr. Victor Rajanayagam, published in Dec. 2002.
2. Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee souvenir of Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Savundaranayagam, published in Canada in June 2014.
3. Personal correspondence with the particular priests and nuns.
Talented residents of Kayts Tamils who set sail in the sea of Bengal
Kaavaloor Kavingnar G.M.Selavarasa
One can never say with certainty from where did the residents of Kayts originally arrived in this island. However, based on various sources of information it is possible to assume that at least some of the original inhabitants of this island emigrated from South India and initially settled in Mannar and then from there they moved to various places in Ceylon such as Poonery, Jaffna, Vannarpannai, Kovalam, Navanthurai, as well as various parts of Kayts island such as Chaaty, Allaippiddy, Naranthanai and Kayts town.
All those people who originally settled in the island of Kayts were Hindus. It was only around 1600 that the Catholic Religion was introduced to this island. However, even after the seeds of Cathoic religion were planted in various parts of the island of Kayts, most of the Hindus continued to practice their religion with great vigour. Two of the strong Hindus who lived at that time were Aandyambalar and Iyappan. The entire area of Kayts presently known as Ampalapulam at one time belonged to the wealthy local resident Aandyampalar and was originally known as Ampalarpilam. Further Iyappan owned lots of lands at one time and even now there is a land in Kayts known as Iyappanthoddam. Later with the spread of Christianity in the island Iyappan's son got baptized by a Catholic priest named Pedro Petracone and was named Mathias. He then got married in West Street and it was the first matrimonial relationship between the people of Ampalappulam and Kayts West Street. Even today there is a little stream called as Mathias Stream.
Further a section of the people who settled in Kayts got married among Portugese and were called Burghers. Some of the women in this area used to practise the trade of weaving. Since in those days cotton used to grow in abundance in the areas around Kayts and since these women had the support of Portuguese rulers, they were able to do very well in continuing the weaving business. Later on, they also learnt to dye sarees using chaya root and those who practised this for their living were called root dying (Vaer Kuththum) Burghers. They became experts in digging up large quantities of chaya root in the islands of Delft and Karaitivu and soon this occupation became their trade. Many of the people of this community also lived in Delft and Pungudutivu islands. The chief of those people was Veerasinghamudali. During those days, the people from this community owned most of the land in Kayts West and some lands in this area are still referred as Parangi Thoddam and Parangi Valavu. The owners of such lands were called Burghers and they were the descendants of Veerasinghamudali
Further a section of the people who settled in Kayts got married among Portugese and were called Burghers. Some of the women in this area used to practise the trade of weaving. Since in those days cotton used to grow in abundance in the areas around Kayts and since these women had the support of Portuguese rulers, they were able to do very well in continuing the weaving business. Later on, they also learnt to dye sarees using chaya root and those who practised this for their living were called root dying (Vaer Kuththum) Burghers. They became experts in digging up large quantities of chaya root in the islands of Delft and Karaitivu and soon this occupation became their trade. Many of the people of this community also lived in Delft and Pungudutivu islands. The chief of those people was Veerasinghamudali. During those days, the people from this community owned most of the land in Kayts West and some lands in this area are still referred as Parangi Thoddam and Parangi Valavu. The owners of such lands were called Burghers and they were the descendants of Veerasinghamudali
Original Trade
The people who originally settled in the island of Kayts were involved in not only fishing or shipping. Instead, many of them were mostly involved in business and farming. When the residents of this island originally settled in Naranthanai, they initially began rearing goats. Later they used the ships loaned to them by Indian traders and travelled in groups to transport herds of goats to places such as Puttalam, Colombo and Galle. Gradually they developed an interest in shipping industry and moved towards the areas around Kayts town. Since then they stopped selling goats and began selling sea shells and conches. Meanwhile they also brought Muslims from various parts of India such as Paampan, Akka madam, Thankachchimadam etc.
Later on, since the people of Kayts began travelling abroad to continue the trade they gradually developed good relationship with Portuguese rulers As a result they began to concentrate on shipping industry.
Shipping Industry
Since people of Kayts were actively involved in trading across the seas and also developed very good relationship with Portuguese rulers and Muslims from Kerala (called Thulukkar) they were able to learn more about maritime trade. Since they were very close to the Portugese they gradually began adopting their culture and religion. As a result they were able to also learn from them the art of decorating the churches, sculpturing of statutes, art of ship building etc.
Chettys and Trade
After the rule of Portuguese and Dutch came to an end, British rule began in 1815 and it lasted till 1948. It was during the British rule the shipping industry flourished in Kayts. As a result the shipping industry between India and Ceylon came under the direct control of sailors from Kayts. During those days there were no reputed sailors in the rest of the North or even among Sinhalese. One can say with all certainty that the first ever sailors in Ceylon were definitely from Kayts island one of them in particular Mr. Seenithamby from Naranthanai was a very famous sailor who worked as the Captain of a ship in London.
Meanwhile many from Chetty community and many businessmen from various parts of India began arriving in Ceylon from places such as Seerkaali, Sithamparam, ThevakottaiI, PuthukottaiI, and Naaddrukottai for trade. After observing the talents of the local residents the seamen from India handed over their trading vessels to the well experienced people of Kayts. The sailors of Kayts used the schooners handed over to them by Indian traders and began to bring Salt, Tiles, and Paddy etc. from places such as Kollam, Kochchi, Aaalappalai, and Mangalapuram. Further they also brought Rice, Pepper, Red chilly etc. from places such as Athiraampattinam, Muthuppattanam, Vethariniyam, and Parangippadda. They also brought seed Paddy, Teak etc from places such as Calcutta, Saddyakaamam, Karachchi, Arakkan, Akkiyaoorr, Mormong and even from Singapore.
Ships harboured in Kayts till 1950
It will be of great interest for those from Kayts Island to learn that until 1950, the ships listed below were harboured in Kayts
The people who originally settled in the island of Kayts were involved in not only fishing or shipping. Instead, many of them were mostly involved in business and farming. When the residents of this island originally settled in Naranthanai, they initially began rearing goats. Later they used the ships loaned to them by Indian traders and travelled in groups to transport herds of goats to places such as Puttalam, Colombo and Galle. Gradually they developed an interest in shipping industry and moved towards the areas around Kayts town. Since then they stopped selling goats and began selling sea shells and conches. Meanwhile they also brought Muslims from various parts of India such as Paampan, Akka madam, Thankachchimadam etc.
Later on, since the people of Kayts began travelling abroad to continue the trade they gradually developed good relationship with Portuguese rulers As a result they began to concentrate on shipping industry.
Shipping Industry
Since people of Kayts were actively involved in trading across the seas and also developed very good relationship with Portuguese rulers and Muslims from Kerala (called Thulukkar) they were able to learn more about maritime trade. Since they were very close to the Portugese they gradually began adopting their culture and religion. As a result they were able to also learn from them the art of decorating the churches, sculpturing of statutes, art of ship building etc.
Chettys and Trade
After the rule of Portuguese and Dutch came to an end, British rule began in 1815 and it lasted till 1948. It was during the British rule the shipping industry flourished in Kayts. As a result the shipping industry between India and Ceylon came under the direct control of sailors from Kayts. During those days there were no reputed sailors in the rest of the North or even among Sinhalese. One can say with all certainty that the first ever sailors in Ceylon were definitely from Kayts island one of them in particular Mr. Seenithamby from Naranthanai was a very famous sailor who worked as the Captain of a ship in London.
Meanwhile many from Chetty community and many businessmen from various parts of India began arriving in Ceylon from places such as Seerkaali, Sithamparam, ThevakottaiI, PuthukottaiI, and Naaddrukottai for trade. After observing the talents of the local residents the seamen from India handed over their trading vessels to the well experienced people of Kayts. The sailors of Kayts used the schooners handed over to them by Indian traders and began to bring Salt, Tiles, and Paddy etc. from places such as Kollam, Kochchi, Aaalappalai, and Mangalapuram. Further they also brought Rice, Pepper, Red chilly etc. from places such as Athiraampattinam, Muthuppattanam, Vethariniyam, and Parangippadda. They also brought seed Paddy, Teak etc from places such as Calcutta, Saddyakaamam, Karachchi, Arakkan, Akkiyaoorr, Mormong and even from Singapore.
Ships harboured in Kayts till 1950
It will be of great interest for those from Kayts Island to learn that until 1950, the ships listed below were harboured in Kayts
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Saminathapuravi
Subramaniapuravi Meenadchisunderam Kesavaada Sivagami Srimaluxmy Regina Kanthasamypuravi Pattiyapoddu Arabia Theivanayagi Kodipudungi Kalyanaluxmi |
Veeraluxmi
Kathresan Kasiannapoorani Chikandarza Ananthavalli Thirugnanasampath Mary Josephinaa Monister Pemaly John Mary Kechcy Thayrialedchumy Vellanaadaan Uru |
Victoria
Pachchaikappal Visalaadchi Kanaganthurakka Kuthupaalam Saarangapani Emmanuel Dukesan Velayuthapuravi Mammathu Savuthani Soomara Viyajan Maanikkathiyaar Udaiyaar Uru |
Neelathaachci
Jebaraalam Thaara Pathuraima Sathurkuthulputhari Selvanayagi Kiththana Arawalathamman Veercha Maria Ahamathu Savuthani Piraivanthamaria Alagiyanaayaki Mariapuravi |
Ameenboat
Saanthalenaal Star of Calcutta Pakiyaluxmi Mummy Ship Mariyapavulina Veeraluxmi Josephinaa Kongareen Uppu Saththiram Rasam Boat Seiathu Mamathubass |
There were many more ships that were under the control of the well experienced Sailors from Kayts and these ships were used for trading across the seas.
I wish to list below the names of some of the sailors who captained these ships. The descendent ants of Veerasingha Mathew Muthali who settled in Kayts were very good not only in weaving and Farming but also excelled in sailing.
Following is a list of ships that were under their control and the names of the captains who served in those ships.
Following is a list of ships that were under their control and the names of the captains who served in those ships.
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Name of Captain
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Name of Ship
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Sanjuvan Anthony
Maria Sanjuvan Yuvakeen Daniel Yuvakeen Fernando Anthony Gabriel Anthony Saveri Anthony Saveri Ignasi Daniel Ignasi Nazareth Philippu Mariselen Bastian Seenimuthu Augustine Thomman Yuwakeen Manuel Saveri Anthony Jacob Gabriel Anthony Thiagu Pedru Cruz |
Mariyapavulina
Regina Mary Josephinaa Emmanuel Kiththana Veeraluxmy Kanthasamipuravi Monister Dukesan Aravalaththamman Josephinaa Mariapuravi Kathresan Pattiyapoddu Velauthapuravi Veecha Maria Veecha Maria |
Those days there was a famous physician named Anthony Santhio in East Street.He owned two ships. Savery Seenimuthu and Manuel were the captains of these ships.
Sailors and their Talents
Some people from Karampon too used to work as sailors. Some of their names were Chellappah Thamothiry, Bastiampillai, Saviri, Muthuthamby Mariampillai, Thambiah. They travelled to many foreign countries. It is noteworthy to mention that Bastiampillai also served at Colombo Port Commission as the head officer overseing 300 clerks. Furthermore Thambiah travelled to various countries such as USA, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Singapore and Malyasia. He also had worked as Master in a ship owned by Shell Company.
The traders from foreign countries who owned ships had great faith in the talent of the sailors from Kayts than from those of other parts of Ceylon .This was why people from Kayts were able to continue to serve as captains Deck hands and Able seamen for several decades.
Here are some examples of some ships owned by people from Kayts town.
For example the ship named Kanthaswamypuravi owned by Vellayappapillai, Monister owned by a Burgher Captain Jumbo, Pemily owned by Kos Mammathu of Kayalpatinam, Veecha Maria owned by A. S. Mudalali, Sathkkulputhar and Sebaluxmy owned by another Burgher Vanaathusan Kuththupalan and Santhalna owned by Thampipillai Mudali of Navaly, Meenadchisunderam owned by Charlisis Perira, Star of Calcutta owned by Kasthuri Nayakkar, Annapoorny owned by Rengasamy.
Further many other ships owned by Naatukottai Chettys were also under the control of people from Kayts. It is worth mentioning that Adaippanaar, Thommaikuudy, Constantine, Katuvalpillai, SethupillaiI, Soosaipillai Udayar, Thambiayah, and Overseer Anthonypillai were some of the notable sailors from Kayts.However during the course of time these sailors lost interest in shipping industry and began seeking various other forms of employment.
Charlis Pereira and Meenadchisunderam
Among the Sinhalese who owned ships in early 19th century, the most famous were Babosingo Venthanaar of Moratuwa and Charlis Perira of Beruwela. Of these two, Charlis Pereira was more famous. He was originally a Buddhist and later he became a Catholic when Fr.Antony Coudert was serving as the parish priest in Beru-wela. He later became the Archbishop of Colombo (1905-1929). When Fr. Antony was the parish he had promised Charlis Pereira that he will officiate at his daughter's wedding and he kept the promise even after he was appointed as the Archbishop. Charlis Perira owned a ship named Meenadchisunderam. Even though he was very wealthy enough to employ a captain from Kerala or even from Britain, yet he handed over the responsibility of captaining the ship to Sinnamuththar Rasampillai of Kayts East. This alone is more than enough to prove the expertise of the local seamen.
Employment in other parts of Ceylon
People from Kayts were involved not only in sailing but also worked as commission agents, Teachers, Contractors etc in various areas of Ceylon. For example when Chetty community in Nagapatinam needed a teacher they employed Mr.Pasqual from Kayts East and he worked there for many years. Furthermore Mr.Bastiampillai from Kayts East worked as a commission agent for export and import business. Further Mr. Mathiarasar from Kayts East was involved in leasing work in places such as Singapore, Penang and in various parts of India including Nagapattinam and Saddykamam. He also had a cigar business in Avisawela.
Generally people of Kayts were prosperous till Second World War began. However unfortunately since then, Kayts harbour gradually began to lose its importance. As a result, in due course the residents of Kayts town and surrounding areas began to choose various other forms of employment.
(The above article appeared in the first and second issues of the monthly newspaper named "Theevaga Jothy" published in 1953 by "Kayts Samuga Seva Sangam" was translated by Raymond Rajabalan for "A Historical Record of Kayts Island")
Sailors and their Talents
Some people from Karampon too used to work as sailors. Some of their names were Chellappah Thamothiry, Bastiampillai, Saviri, Muthuthamby Mariampillai, Thambiah. They travelled to many foreign countries. It is noteworthy to mention that Bastiampillai also served at Colombo Port Commission as the head officer overseing 300 clerks. Furthermore Thambiah travelled to various countries such as USA, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Singapore and Malyasia. He also had worked as Master in a ship owned by Shell Company.
The traders from foreign countries who owned ships had great faith in the talent of the sailors from Kayts than from those of other parts of Ceylon .This was why people from Kayts were able to continue to serve as captains Deck hands and Able seamen for several decades.
Here are some examples of some ships owned by people from Kayts town.
For example the ship named Kanthaswamypuravi owned by Vellayappapillai, Monister owned by a Burgher Captain Jumbo, Pemily owned by Kos Mammathu of Kayalpatinam, Veecha Maria owned by A. S. Mudalali, Sathkkulputhar and Sebaluxmy owned by another Burgher Vanaathusan Kuththupalan and Santhalna owned by Thampipillai Mudali of Navaly, Meenadchisunderam owned by Charlisis Perira, Star of Calcutta owned by Kasthuri Nayakkar, Annapoorny owned by Rengasamy.
Further many other ships owned by Naatukottai Chettys were also under the control of people from Kayts. It is worth mentioning that Adaippanaar, Thommaikuudy, Constantine, Katuvalpillai, SethupillaiI, Soosaipillai Udayar, Thambiayah, and Overseer Anthonypillai were some of the notable sailors from Kayts.However during the course of time these sailors lost interest in shipping industry and began seeking various other forms of employment.
Charlis Pereira and Meenadchisunderam
Among the Sinhalese who owned ships in early 19th century, the most famous were Babosingo Venthanaar of Moratuwa and Charlis Perira of Beruwela. Of these two, Charlis Pereira was more famous. He was originally a Buddhist and later he became a Catholic when Fr.Antony Coudert was serving as the parish priest in Beru-wela. He later became the Archbishop of Colombo (1905-1929). When Fr. Antony was the parish he had promised Charlis Pereira that he will officiate at his daughter's wedding and he kept the promise even after he was appointed as the Archbishop. Charlis Perira owned a ship named Meenadchisunderam. Even though he was very wealthy enough to employ a captain from Kerala or even from Britain, yet he handed over the responsibility of captaining the ship to Sinnamuththar Rasampillai of Kayts East. This alone is more than enough to prove the expertise of the local seamen.
Employment in other parts of Ceylon
People from Kayts were involved not only in sailing but also worked as commission agents, Teachers, Contractors etc in various areas of Ceylon. For example when Chetty community in Nagapatinam needed a teacher they employed Mr.Pasqual from Kayts East and he worked there for many years. Furthermore Mr.Bastiampillai from Kayts East worked as a commission agent for export and import business. Further Mr. Mathiarasar from Kayts East was involved in leasing work in places such as Singapore, Penang and in various parts of India including Nagapattinam and Saddykamam. He also had a cigar business in Avisawela.
Generally people of Kayts were prosperous till Second World War began. However unfortunately since then, Kayts harbour gradually began to lose its importance. As a result, in due course the residents of Kayts town and surrounding areas began to choose various other forms of employment.
(The above article appeared in the first and second issues of the monthly newspaper named "Theevaga Jothy" published in 1953 by "Kayts Samuga Seva Sangam" was translated by Raymond Rajabalan for "A Historical Record of Kayts Island")
