Colombo Chetty Association elects new Ex-Co

Friday, 3 October 2025 01:56 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Seated from left: Vice President Ermina Muthupulle, Assistant Treasurer Lucien Fernandopulle, President Chris Corea, Secretary Viran Fernandopulle, Vice President Joe Saverymuthapulle, and Callistus Alles

Standing from left: Marian Candappa, Indira Fernandopulle, Past Presidents Rinesh Fernandopulle, Nanda Corea, Colin Fernandopulle, Selva Perumal, Phyllis Corea, and Rishanka Fernandopulle

Inset: Treasurer Christobel Saverimuttu, Royce Fernandopulle, Rohan Masillamani, Carlyle Alles, and Rishnie Fernandopulle

The Colombo Chetty Association of Sri Lanka recently elected its Executive Committee for 2025.

A separate ethnic group in Sri Lanka, living alongside the Malays, Moors, Tamils, Burghers and the Sinhalese, Colombo Chetties form an integral part of Sri Lankan Society. Today, this small educated and cultured community consists of around 150,000 individuals living in the Western and North Western Provinces of Sri Lanka.

The derivation of the name “Chetty” is taken from the word “Setthi”, “Situ” or “Etti” meaning merchant, trader or banker indicating that the Chetties are descendants of a community of traders. The early ancestors of this community are said to have engaged in trade with Ceylon which later resulted in their migration to the Island. The Chetty Community has lived for several centuries in the Island from the time of the Sinhalese Kings.

The Colombo Chetty Community has maintained close ties and friendly relations with all communities in Sri Lanka from time immemorial.