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 :
They were supported by:
The committee included:
The society was later revived by:
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.
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
Kshatriya Maha Sabha, Sri Lanka