| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 6,075 (2012 census) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Province | |
| Western | 5,427 |
| Northern | 348 |
| Central | 193 |
| Languages | |
| Sinhala English Tamil | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity (mostly Roman Catholic and Anglican), Hinduism TypesSinhala Chetties (Sri Lankan)English Chetties Tamil Chetties (Indian) | |
Sri Lankan Chetties (Sinhala:ශ්රී ලංකා චෙට්ටි,romanized: Śrī laṁkā Ceṭṭi,Tamil:இலங்கை செட்டி,romanized: Ilaṅkai Ceṭṭi) also known asColombo Chetties, are an ethnicity in the island ofSri Lanka.[1] Before 2001, they were classified as aSri Lankan Tamil caste, but then after 2001, they were classified as a separate ethnic group in the 2001 census.[2][3] They are now collectively referred to as theColombo Chetties. They were said to have migrated from India underPortuguese rule and were given special rights and representation during colonial rule.[4]
In modern times, the Chetties have been assimilated either into Sinhala or Tamil resp.Vellalar society.[5] Most Chetties grow inSinhala backgrounds.Hetti is another term used in this context, referring to the present generation of Chetties who do not have any relation to India but are solely from Sri Lanka.
The word is thought to have been derived from theTamil wordEtti, anhonorific title bestowed on the leading and noble people.[6]
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They settled mostly in westernSri Lanka, especially in the ports ofColombo from the 16th century to mid 17th century, during the rule of the Portuguese and Dutch.[7][8] The Chetties of Western Sri Lanka converted to various forms of Christianity during the colonial era:Roman Catholicism underPortuguese rule, as well as toAnglicanism andReformed Christianity underBritish rule andDutch rule, respectively.[9] Marriages betweenSinhalese (Sinhala people) and Chetties are very common and therefore many wereSinhalised.[10][11] The Chetties of Northern Sri Lanka especially in Jaffna were mainly absorbed by the Vellalar caste, although, some still remain separate.[5] A high number of Chetties still live inNallur, which is known for the inhabitation of high castes, whereas even a road is commemorated for them.[12]
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 10,800 | — |
| 2011 | 6,075 | −43.8% |
| Source:Department of Census & Statistics[13] Data is based on Sri Lankan Government Census. | ||
Representatives of theColombo Chetty Association stressed out their distinctiveness, appealing for forming a separate ethnic group. The Chetties were notably also from 1814 to 1817 listed as a separate ethnic group.[4]
Historically an elite and generally wealthy ethnicity, they no longer strictly marry amongst themselves. In addition, migration toAustralia,England,United States of America andCanada has tended to dilute their numbers.[citation needed]
