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Ceylon Memory Project.

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The Ceylon Memory Project.
This project aims to create a digital archive of old photographs of Ceylon from family albums up to the year 1972. Albums and photographs submitted to the project will be scanned and archived. Selected images will be put online and might be exhibited at a future date, but they will not be used for commercial purposes.


Terms and conditions for contributors:

The contributor of the images retains the rights to all images submitted. CMP reserves the right to upload selected images to the internet, and to use them in exhibitions, publications, etc. for non-commercial purposes. The contributor will be offered an electronic copy of all images scanned.

The contributor is invited to complete a submission form giving contact information, background information about the albums/photographs, biographical details of the people in the pictures, and any relevant details about individual photographs. More detailed narratives (written and oral) are also welcome.

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  • Amar Singh Collection
    Amar Singh Collection
    9 images
  • A mixed bag, would like to find High Res
    A mixed bag, would like to find...
    3 images
  • Anne-Marie Kellar Collection
    Anne-Marie Kellar Collection
    3 images
  • Arjuna Hulugalle Collection
    Arjuna Hulugalle Collection
    2 images
  • Bala Tampoe Collection
    Bala Tampoe Collection
    33 images
    Bala Tampoe (born 1922) is Sri Lankan lawyer and trade unionist. He is the General Secretary of the Ceylon Mercantile, Industrial and General Workers Union (CMU) in Sri Lanka.
  • Bobby Caspersz Collection
    Bobby Caspersz Collection
    23 images
  • Bostock/Lloyd Smith Collection
    Bostock/Lloyd Smith Collection
    11 images
  • C. Anjalendran Collection
    C. Anjalendran Collection
    13 images
  • Carol Hadman collection
    Carol Hadman collection
    2 images
  • Cathy Watson Collection
    Cathy Watson Collection
    4 images
    Remembering my grandfather By Cathy Watson I had seen them in Uganda – the grandchildren of distinguished colonialists – Sir Albert Cook, who set up the first hospital and the progressive governor Sir Andrew Cohen, who led the building of the Nile dam. And now I was one of them, Sir Ivor Jenning’s granddaughter, clutching old photos to present to the University of Peradeniya. I did not know what to expect. With colleagues from the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), we filed into the vice chancellor’s office, where my grandfather sat from 1942 to 1955. Across the table were deans, and next to me the current vice-chancellor, Professor Atula Senaratne. I had asked my mother for talking points. But nothing had come. My daughter, who studied Papa’s letters and papers, 40 boxes worth in Senate House at the University of London, had advised me simply -- say he believed in education. My husband had said – tell family stories. Everyone loves them. So I sat there with my notes. Professor K Samarasinghe spoke first. “This is a historic meeting from our side because we respect our first vice-chancellor because of this university, the most beautiful in the world. We have this gift because of Sir Ivor Jennings.” The dean of the faculty of agriculture went on: “The entire country respects him so much. I take this opportunity to thank Cathy and the ICRAF team for taking time to do this important thing. We were dreaming to meet a relative of Sir Ivor Jennings.” I thought – “oh no, how beautiful!” And then - “I mustn’t cry”. I thought “you can be strong.” Then the Vice-chancellor spoke. “Your grandfather was the person behind the first constitution. DS Senanayake wanted independence to be on his birthday. But your grandfather said it is far and the people are yearning for Independence.” So, apparently, they chose my grandparents’ wedding anniversary instead. That’s the story at least! I then handed over the photos, including one of an elephant lifting a steel girder during the building of the university and another of the signing of the constitution. My grandfather was 38 when he arrived in Ceylon and had already written 11 books. Later I talk with my mother. I tell her that Peradeniya is tree-filled, the trees in bloom, students chat in milk bars, and the library has one million books. She says – “My father always said that his books would be his legacy, but perhaps his real legacy is the university.” I nod in agreement down the phone.” That evening we are hosted to dinner at the vice chancellor’s residence, from where my mother married in 1952. I thank the chief librarian for being so generous about my grandfather. She says – “He is always with us, every day. He is all around us as we walk across this campus.” Again I swallow tears. My grandfather went on to write another 19 books and several more constitutions and to be Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University and master of Trinity Hall. But he never forgot Sri Lanka. END
  • CEYLON. A collection of photographs from family albums.  My thanks to all who contributed.
    CEYLON. A collection of photographs...
    15 images
  • CEYON MEMORY PROJECT - The two pictures that started it all
    CEYON MEMORY PROJECT - The two...
    2 images
  • Charmaine de Bruin Collection.
    Charmaine de Bruin Collection.
    14 images
    Charmaine de Bruin nee Dissanayake was born in Kotahena, Colombo 15. Her education was at Good Shepherd Convent Kotahena and she married Derrick de Bruin in 1984.
  • Chloe de Soysa Collection
    Chloe de Soysa Collection
    277 images
  • Chris Drieberg Collection
    Chris Drieberg Collection
    1 image
  • Chris Kriekenbeek Collection
    Chris Kriekenbeek Collection
    17 images
  • Christopher Ondaatje Collection
    Christopher Ondaatje Collection
    44 images
  • CMP - a few of my favourite pictures
    CMP - a few of my favourite pictures
    61 images
  • CMP exhibition
    CMP exhibition
    53 images
  • Cresside Collette Collection
    Cresside Collette Collection
    64 images
  • Damon Rulach Collection
    Damon Rulach Collection
    112 images
    An extraordinary collection of black of photographs from Ceylon circa 1952 to 1963
  • David Jansze Collection
    David Jansze Collection
    16 images
  • David & Karima Sansoni Collection
    David & Karima Sansoni Collection
    2 images
  • David Leask Collection
    David Leask Collection
    7 images
    David Leask, was born at the Hatton Nursing Home in June 1939. His mother, Margaret (nee Fowler) was also born in Ceylon when her father was planting on Lippakelle Estate. In 1957 I returned to Ceylon and commenced my tea planting career up-country. After eleven years I resigned my position as senior SD on Diyagama East Estate and left Ceylon.
  • David Meynert Collection
    David Meynert Collection
    14 images
    Dear Victor, I am glad you liked those Jungle photos. By all means share those photos With your friends! My father, Shaddy was an avid Photographer, who belonged to the Photographic Society in Ceylon and Also was a judge at many Photographic Competitions, took lots Of photos in the Jungles of Palatupana and Yala. He had these in Many albums, but unfortunately my Brother Scott has stored these away And we have to look for them when I come to Sydney soon. I will certainly Try to send you copies of the more Interesting ones, like the massive Python strangling a deer, prior to Swallowing it. We should share all these photos, or They will be lost forever. I will be sending you the photos I took Of my recent visit to the jungles of Palatupana. All the best, David Meynert
  • David Schokman Collection
    David Schokman Collection
    6 images
  • Deborah Philip Collection
    Deborah Philip Collection
    17 images
  • Degenhart Collection
    Degenhart Collection
    182 images
  • Devan de Mel Collection.
    Devan de Mel Collection.
    7 images
  • Dimuthu Wilegoda Collection
    Dimuthu Wilegoda Collection
    6 images
  • Dr. R.L. Spittel Collection
    Dr. R.L. Spittel Collection
    106 images
    Richard Lionel Spittel, CMG, CBE, FRCS (commonly known as Dr. R. L. Spittel) (December 9, 1881 – September 3, 1969) was a Ceylonese Burgher physician and author. He was one of the foremost experts on the Vedda community. An avid nature-lover, Dr Spittel made many trips to the jungles of Ceylon, gaining much knowledge of the flora and fauna and the aborigines of the island, the Veddas. His studies on the Veddas made him and expert on this little understood people. Based on his ethnographic studies, he authored several books that gained much fame during his lifetime. His works include novels, poetry and academic studies. from Wikipedia
  • Elsa Sherwood collection
    Elsa Sherwood collection
    36 images
  • Elsa Sherwood (nee Scobie) Collection
    Elsa Sherwood (nee Scobie) Collection
    36 images
  • Elsley Koch Collection
    Elsley Koch Collection
    44 images
  • Felsinger Collection
    Felsinger Collection
    169 images
  • G C Miles Collection
    G C Miles Collection
    248 images
  • George Hepponstall Collection
    George Hepponstall Collection
    2 images
  • Graham & Jane Wood Collection
    Graham & Jane Wood Collection
    2 images
  • Hapugastenne Club.
    Hapugastenne Club.
    4 images
  • Hasseina Moosajee Collection
    Hasseina Moosajee Collection
    10 images
  • Heather Bott nee Holmes Collection
    Heather Bott nee Holmes Collection
    5 images
  • Heather Stave Collection
    Heather Stave Collection
    4 images
  • Jacqueline Robinson Collection
    Jacqueline Robinson Collection
    3 images
  • Jamin Noor Collection
    Jamin Noor Collection
    12 images
  • Jean Arasanayagam Collection
    Jean Arasanayagam Collection
    32 images
  • Jeevani Fernando Collection
    Jeevani Fernando Collection
    6 images
  • Jennifer Ingleton Collection
    Jennifer Ingleton Collection
    8 images
  • John Lyons Archive.
    John Lyons Archive.
    18 images
    WILLIAM LYONS Born 1920 – died 1978, occupation - printers compositor, he worked in Fleet Street on the Daily Mail and London Evening News At the outbreak of war he volunteered for the RAF but had to wait until October 1940 at age 20 to commence training. By March 1943 he had qualified as a WOP/AG (wireless operator & air gunner) and joined 413 squadron Coastal Command at Stranraer Scotland. He was then posted to Ceylon arriving at Koggala in April. 413 squadron was in fact an RCAF unit as most of the crews came to England to join the war effort from Canada. The squadron flew Catalina flying boats which were ideally suited for maritime operations from Koggala lagoon. The squadrons primary functions were air surveillance, search and rescue missions and anti submarine patrols. A typical flight could last for 10 or more hours often at night over the Indian ocean. These long flights over the sea could be hazardous with the constant risk of attack from Japanese fighter aircraft or shipping, or engine failure. Ironically, having survived himself, he returned home in August 1944 knowing that his parents and sister had been killed by a German V bomb earlier that year. At the end of the war and with the rank of Warrant Officer he had clocked up a total of 1100 hours of flying and eventually returned to his former employers where he completed a 7 year apprenticeship. Like many of his generation he regarded his military service as a duty and was modest about his role. He rarely spoke of his wartime experiences and that I never thought to ask him about such things is a matter of much regret to me. However, a recent visit to the lovely Island of Sri Lanka and with clues from those old photographs has provided some consolation by helping me to piece together this part of my Dads life. Best wishes John Lyons 20.4.14
  • Karen La Borde Collection
    Karen La Borde Collection
    2 images
  • Laleen Jayamanne Collection
    Laleen Jayamanne Collection
    1 image
  • Malcolm van Langenberg Collection
    Malcolm van Langenberg Collection
    5 images
  • Marina Greenwood Collection
    Marina Greenwood Collection
    6 images
  • Mark Duckworth Collection
    Mark Duckworth Collection
    8 images
  • Michael Charnaud
    Michael Charnaud
    35 images
  • Michael Roberts Collection
    Michael Roberts Collection
    2 images
  • Michael Roosmale-Cocq collection
    Michael Roosmale-Cocq collection
    58 images
  • Miscellaneous Pictures
    Miscellaneous Pictures
    2 images
  • Moiya Hazell Collection
    Moiya Hazell Collection
    31 images
  • Murugiah Balendran Collection
    Murugiah Balendran Collection
    3 images
  • Nigel Knight Collection
    Nigel Knight Collection
    43 images
  • Peggy & Clifford Jansz Collection
    Peggy & Clifford Jansz Collection
    25 images
  • Penny Joppe Collection. My father, Robert Carswell, arrived in Ceylon in 1929
    Penny Joppe Collection. My father,...
    117 images
  • Peter Tennant Collection
    Peter Tennant Collection
    31 images
    My grandfather was James Blair Tennant who lived in Matale. My Grandmother was Lingama. My Father, Richard Tennant went to St. Anthony's College in Katugastota.
  • Planters Clubs
    Planters Clubs
    4 images
  • Police Uniform Collection
    Police Uniform Collection
    8 images
  • Private Collection
    Private Collection
    34 images
  • Private Collection D. S.
    Private Collection D. S.
    9 images
  • Proctor Collection - Ladies College & Training College 1932
    Proctor Collection - Ladies College...
    173 images
    "The collection of "Nita Proctor" photographs belong to Nazreen Chelwavathy Sansoni as bequeathed to her by her late uncle, Duleepkumar Tampoe Philips. (1930-2014). Nazreen Sansoni is Gertrude Proctors granddaughter; Duleepkumar Philips was Gertrude's son. Duleep was twin to Nazreen,s father--the late Shanthikumar Philips--the twins were brothers of the late Arasakumar Tampoe Philips. Nazreen is married to Dominic Sansoni and has five children: Ashira Thompson, Natasha Thompson, Isabella, Sebastian and Sophia Sansoni. This piece of information is here so all concerned are aware of their antecedents."
  • Ralph Wickremeratne Collection
    Ralph Wickremeratne Collection
    8 images
  • Ramiah Shadagopan Collection
    Ramiah Shadagopan Collection
    3 images
  • Ranil Bibile Collection of Spittel photos
    Ranil Bibile Collection of Spittel...
    38 images
  • Roland Stahre Collection
    Roland Stahre Collection
    11 images
    Roland Stahre's parents were Swedish Missionaries in Ceylon between 1956 and 19991. They lived in Galle, Nuwara Eliya and in Kandy from 1961
  • Rudi Van Starrex Collection
    Rudi Van Starrex Collection
    2 images
  • Sally Hulugalle Collection
    Sally Hulugalle Collection
    84 images
  • Sandie Benson Collection
    Sandie Benson Collection
    18 images
  • Sansoni Collection
    Sansoni Collection
    10 images
  • Sean Thomas Collection
    Sean Thomas Collection
    4 images
  • Sharon Fernando Collection
    Sharon Fernando Collection
    27 images
  • Sheila Meyler Collection
    Sheila Meyler Collection
    281 images
    Sheila Meyler (née Baker) was born in Colombo on 8 April 1924. Her father Guy Mervyn Baker (“GM”) was a planter. He came to Ceylon in 1920 as an assistant planter at Bibile estate. His fiancée Nancy Frend followed, and they were married in St Mark’s Church, Badulla on 21 Dec. 1921. GM and Nancy had 2 daughters, Sheila and Anne, and one son, Rodney. Anne died aged 3 and is buried at Kanatte cemetery, Colombo. The family lived at Namunukula, Avissawella (Hemingford estate), and Bogawantalawa (Devonford estate). They left Ceylon in 1933. Sheila Meyler died in 2008.
  • Skeen & Co. Historic Sites of Ceylon
    Skeen & Co. Historic Sites of Ceylon
    29 images
  • Skeen & Co. People, portraits & places
    Skeen & Co. People, portraits & places
    90 images
  • Speldewinde Collection
    Speldewinde Collection
    3 images
  • Srian Perera Collection
    Srian Perera Collection
    97 images
  • Stefan de Run Collection
    Stefan de Run Collection
    13 images
  • Tessa Joachim Collection
    Tessa Joachim Collection
    7 images
  • Tina Faulk Collection
    Tina Faulk Collection
    1 image
  • Tissa Atapattu Collection
    Tissa Atapattu Collection
    2 images
  • Tommi Sansoni
    Tommi Sansoni
    6 images
  • Tony Peries Collection
    Tony Peries Collection
    204 images
    My first camera was a folding Kodak 116 given to me by a cousin in about 1942. It was VERY difficult to get film in wartime & I only ever took about 2 rolls as the size was imposs to get.Another cousin took pity on me & gifted me a Zeiss Ikon folding camera 120 size about a year later –this took good pics & got me totally hooked. I bought film & had it processed at the Standard Photographic Studio next to Bambalapitiya police station. The owner was the elder (step ) bro of Hector & Victor Sumathipala who were both press photographers for Lake House. The owner had a Leica 2 which he lent to favoured customer like me at no charge. By then I had joined the Photographic Society Of Ceylon as J O Ebert (known as Sonny) twisted my dad’s arm—he was a VG photographer who exhibited regularly . He also leaned on my dad to buy me a good camera so got a Rollei Automat in about 1945. I left school at the end of 1949 & was the recognised official pic taker for SJC (st. Joseph's College). I started going on shooting trips in 1950. - Tony Peries
  • Valerie Walker Collection. "Dad was in 19 Squadron. No 1 Wing. "D" Flight. "
    Valerie Walker Collection. "Dad was...
    30 images
  • Victor Melder Archive
    Victor Melder Archive
    35 images
  • Walter Lekamge Collection
    Walter Lekamge Collection
    2 images

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