History of the Ceylon Association Taiping

In 1899, a very foresighted group of Jaffna Tamils saw the need to set up an association for the future generations in Malaysia. This was the first and only such kind of organisation which had its humble beginings in Taiping, Perak. The Ceylon Association of Taiping (CAT), established in 1899, is the first and oldest Ceylonese community association in what was then known as Malaya. 

Due to the increasing number of migrants from various parts of Ceylon, there was a great need for a venue where these migrants, who were so far away from home, could socialise, provide moral support to each other and host cultural and sports activities. 

In its heyday, the Association was located on Barrack Road and was popularly yet affectionately known as the "Victoria Reading Room". A few years later, the Association moved to its current premises on Station Road. Today, this Grand Old Lady stands proudly, though not majestically, on Heritage Row as testimony to the forward thinking attitude of our forefathers. 

The CAT proudly boasts of many significant achievements and milestones in the history of the Ceylonese Community in Malaysia. One such milestone was the visit of the famous Indian National Leader, Jawaharlal Nehru who visited its iconic premises in 1937. 

The building suffered its share of destruction during the Japanese Occupation of Malaya, thus leaving it uninhabitable unless remedial action was immediately taken. 

In 1941 the resilient Ceylonese community organised a grand celebration comprising members from both Malaya and Singapore. It was at this monumental congregation that the Ceylon Federation of Malaya was officially formed with the Late Mr R. M. Thambidorai elected as President to spearhead the community's vision for the future. 

Today, the building is in desperate need of comprehensive restoration to ensure its survival for future generations of the Ceylonese community in Malaysia. 

We believe that with the generous support, enthusiasm and the kindness of all Malaysian irrespective of race or creed, we will be able to restore this heritage building to become the pride of the Ceylonese community, not only in Taiping, but throughout Malaysia and neighbouring Singapore.

Let’s restore this  “Grand Old Lady” to her pride of place with dignity and aplomb on Heritage Row.

  THEN (1967)    

    

>>>> 50 years later >>>>>

                     

NOW (2017)