Dissawa

Dissava was a feudal and colonial official in Sri Lanka. Originating from the Sinhalese kingdoms, it was retained under the successive European colonial powers, namely the Portuguese Empire, the Dutch East India Company and the British Empire.

The Portuguese continued the administrative units of Disavanis, which existed in the territories the Portuguese gained from former Sinhalese kingdoms. During the Portuguese rule there were four such disavanis. The civil, military and judicial administration of these units where carried out by a Dissava appointed by the Portuguese Captain General in keeping with the tradition of the land. The Dissava led the Lascarins which was the local militia in time of war. Initially both Sinhalese and Portuguese were appointed to this post, thereafter Portuguese were preferred. He was assisted in military functions by Mudaliyars, Muhandirams and Arachchis. In judicial functions he was assisted by Basnayakas and Mohottalas. Each Disavanis was divided into sub units called Korales. These were presided by a Korale Vidana, who was a magistrate and revenue collector.

The Dutch continued the system of administration of the Portuguese, but gradually reduced the power of the local headmen. The Dissava s were members of the Political Council of the Commendary the locality they belong to.

Persons were appointed to the title and office by the King during the Kingdom of Kandy, these appointees headed the administration of a large province of the Kingdom known as a Dissava and was the king's personal representative, tax collector in that area. There were twenty one provinces of which twelve of the larger out lying provinces where Dissava. There was no time limit for the officer holder as he held the post at the pleasure of the King, which meant throughout his life, if not incurred the displeasure of the King. It was not hereditary, although members of the same family have been appointed.

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