The Kathaluwa Gardiya Punchi Hewa Gnati Samajaya, is one of the oldest family societies of Sri Lanka. The family hails from Kathaluwa in southern Sri Lanka. It,s a large family with a family society that is very active

Above - Mudaliyar A de S Guardiya Punchi Hewa (b 1882 d 1954) founder of the Kathaluwa Gardiya Punchi Hewa Gnati Samajaya

The Kathaluve Gardiye Punchihewa Family Society was formed in 1943 by :

• Mudaliyar A De S G Punchihewa of Kathaluwa and
• Justice G P H Kurukulasuriya of Panadura.

They were supported by:

• former Chief Justice G P A Silva
• Dr G P H Sirinatha Premachandra
• G P William De Silva and
• G P David De Silva

The committee included:

• G P Abraham De Silva
• G P Hector De Silva
• G P Victor De Silva and
• G P Vincent De Silva.

The society was later revived by:

• Justice of the Peace G P H Victor De Silva with the help of
• former Chief Justice G P Amarananda Silva and his elder brother
• G P Jeevananda Silva.

Today over 450 connected families are members of the society.

The objectives of the society are defined in the constitution as:

1. Share sorrow and happiness
2. Promote unity among relatives
3. Help relatives in need
4. Award scholarships to the children of relatives in need
5. Revive the traditions of the family and record them for the benefit of future generations
6. Establish a fund, managed by a committee, for the benefit of the society
7. Own land, buildings, equipment, receive and invest funds to achieve the objectives of the society

The society mainly focuses on helping relatives in need, promoting oneness among members and preserving family traditions.

The society’s AGMs are well attended. Family members look forward to these meetings to meet one another and renew relationships. Awards are given to young members of the family who have excelled in sports and educational pursuits. It’s a fun day with a lunch and entertainment along with speeches and meeting formalities.

Above: The crest of the Gardiya Punchi Hewa family society depicts the royal symbols of the clan; the Sun, Moon, Pearl umbrella (muthu kuda), Sword, A royal personage from the warrior race and the ancient Makara symbol of the race.

 web site http://gardiyepunchihewa.com/

The office bearers appointed at the recent AGM are:

President- Sunil Punchihewa

Secretary- Newton Punchihewa

Treasurer- Pathmabandu Punchihewa

Patrons-

Kataluwa Rathanasara Thero

Sumana de Silva

Desabandu Karunaratna Punchihewa

Gamini Punchihewa

Pannadasa Punchihewa

Ana Punchihewa

Above: Justice G P J Kurukulasuriya of Panadura, a co-founder of the Society

Above: Former Chief Justice of Sri Lanka, Hon. G P A Silva who helped to establish the society.

Above: Justice of Peace G P H Victor de Silva who helped to revive the society in 1977

Above: A Honorary Patron of the Society, G PJ Silva of 15 Alfred Place, Colombo

Above: Deshabandu G P H Karunaratna, founder of Janaki Hotel Kandy. He supported and helped the society immensely by hosting several AGMs in his hotel, providing transport, board and lodging for all the participating family members.

Photos from the recent AGM of the Kathaluwa Gardiya Punchi Hewa Gnati Samajaya

Some of the dance and musical recitals performed by young members of the Kathaluwe Gardiye Punchihewa family to entertain the family members who had gathered for the recent AGM

After the conclusion of the meeting the family members sat down to enjoy a lunch together