I’ve put together a list of online genealogy databases to make your research easier. These resources are packed with essential information, providing you a stepping stone towards uncovering your family history. Dive in, and who knows what fascinating stories about your ancestors you might discover!
- FamilySearch – This website is a beacon of light for all those navigating the fascinating world of genealogy! I seriously cannot say enough good things about this website. A vast majority of the success I’ve had in creating my family tree is because of this website. FamilySearch is a library and database that provides you with millions of records you can access for free! This remarkable platform is an epitome of commitment towards preserving our shared human heritage. Their dedication to free, accessible genealogical information makes them not just a resource, but a global community. I will be writing an article in the future, giving you some useful tips I’ve found while using this website.
- Findmypast – It is a subscription-based database with billions of digitized records and access to several databases worldwide. For the purpose of Sri Lankan genealogy, the British In Ceylon Parish Records are a valuable source that contains a collection of baptisms, marriages, and burial records from Sri Lanka.
- The Kabristan Archives – It is a resource devoted to the preservation of genealogical records from South Asia. They provide memorial Inscriptions, burial records, birth and baptismal records, and marriage records, making it an invaluable tool for those researching their family history.
- Cairn Family History Society – It provides an extensive database of records. For our purposes, the Ceylon Civil Service Widow & Orphan Fund Applications database contains around 36,000 applications submitted to the Widows And Orphans Fund in Ceylon ranging from 1884 to 1920. These records have been meticulously indexed. The database contains the names of the applicants and copies of the application can be obtained for a small fee.
- FIBIS – It is an extensive database encompassing diverse sources such as births, marriages, deaths, wills, military records, and more from British India. This database also includes many records from British Ceylon and Indian newspapers that often contained domestic events from Ceylon.
- The Dutch Burgher Union – This website is a valuable resource for anyone exploring their Dutch Burgher ancestors in Sri Lanka. With a plethora of free, digitized family genealogies and a collection of Dutch Burgher Union Journals spanning from 1908 – 2005, this website is your go-to place to discover your Dutch heritage in Sri Lanka.
- WorldGenWeb – The WorldGenWeb Project, aims to provide online resources for genealogists worldwide. In terms of Sri Lankan genealogy, they’ve got hundreds of family tree compiled from various ethnic groups including Sinhalese, Tamil, Moor, Burgher, Malay, Sindhi and many more. For aspiring genealogists, this website serves as an essential starting point, providing a wealth of pre-existing research that can greatly assist in building their own family tree.
- Ceylon Tamils – This website is a valuable resource for anyone exploring their Tamil ancestors in Sri Lanka.
- Anglo Indian Family Trees – This website specializes in tracing Indian family trees with European origins. This could include Sri Lankan ancestors who were either born or lived in India before relocating to Ceylon. As a result, this platform proves highly valuable for individuals seeking to delve into the shared history between India and Sri Lanka.
- Ancestry and MyHeritage – These are two prominent genealogy platforms with vast collections of genealogical records and resources. Additionally, both platforms benefit from the contributions of millions of users who have submitted their own family trees, photographs, and historical information.
