President revokes ‘traitor’ status given to 19 SL nationals

8 December 2016 06:21 pm - 9 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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President Maithripala Sirisena today cancelled Gazette No: 851 issued by English Governor Robert Brownrigg in January 10, 1818 listing 19 Kandyan leaders including Keppetipola Disawe as traitors.

The President declared the 19 leaders who fought for the freedom of the country to be National Heroes.

In a tweet, the President said, “After 198 years, I cleared the names of the Wellassa Heroes including Monarawila Keppetipola,”

Keppetipola Disawe, Kiwlegedara Mohottale, Godagedara Rate Adikaram, Ketakala Mohottaale, Maha Bethmaraale, Kuda Bethmaraale, Polgolla Mohottaale, Watte Kale Mohottaale, Polgahagedara Rehenaraale, Posrewatta Vidane, Yalagombe Mohottaale, Udumadure Mohottaale, Kohukumbure Rateraale, Kohukumbure Walawwe Mohottaale, Butuwe Rateraale, Baginigahawela Rateraala, Mahabadulle Gammane Rateraale, Bulupitiye Mohottaale and Palle Melheyaye Gamethiraale are the 19 Kandyan leaders who were given ‘National Hero’ status on the special order issued by President Sirisena on December 8, 2016,.

The 19 Kandyan leaders were branded traitors by the British Government for spearheading the Uva Wellassa riot in 1818.

On Monday, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe recommended to the President to cancel the gazette which was issued 198 years ago and bestow the title of ‘National Hero’ on the 19 leaders.

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Comments - 9

lkboy Thursday, 08 December 2016 06:33 PM

A good news in a while. Thank you to yaha palanaya!

lpd Thursday, 08 December 2016 07:16 PM

Well done, minister of justice and HON President..

ari Thursday, 08 December 2016 07:34 PM

Took us almost 200 years to stand up to colonial rulings. But better late than never!

Anja Thursday, 08 December 2016 07:54 PM

Will Sri Lanka go to developed country status now via DM Android App

nick Thursday, 08 December 2016 08:50 PM

history must remain as history something that happened in the past can not be changed in the present the country need more economical power via DM Android App

Gayan Thursday, 08 December 2016 09:07 PM

Meanwhile modern day heros are in jail.

sepala Thursday, 08 December 2016 09:33 PM

Good job Mr.President. But if you sign ETCA with India and open our service sector to Indian's, you will be label as a "Great Traitor of the History " in SL by your own people. And that will not be revoked by anybody.

Kale Friday, 09 December 2016 07:18 AM

Sri Lankan politics is why Sri Lanka is not a developed country.You have too many people aiming for power for themselves.

Vajira.W Friday, 09 December 2016 11:05 AM

Great news for all Sri Lankans. Better late than never. via DM Android App

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President revokes ‘traitor’ status given to 19 SL nationals

Comments - 9

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