35
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
C.O.
Reference :-
882 /10
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
Bullet showed
wound was
from direct hit.
(R.L.M.W.)
Richard Jayatilaka, sworn.
52
He had a wound at the rib. I
Cross-examined (bullet produced): The bullet should have hit straight. Examined Kachchi Marikar also.
Junior Medical Officer. I examined Sleman. did not examine Seneviratne.
Second accused, Namnidewage Albert Wijesekera, affd.
30. Married first accused's eldest sister. Third accused is my younger brother, son of N. S. Fernando. Possess considerable property. On the day in question I came, with the other accused and R. S. Fernando and M. J. Fernando, to Pettah, about 9.15, got down opposite Pedris's shop. As our shop was closed I went to Bankshall Street, where also we have a shop. I saw shops being looted all along, and crowds attacking Moors. I did not do business that day as it was not possible. I told my people to close the shop. I went through Main Street to bank.
It was quiet. about 11. I came back to Main Street about half-past 12.
I went back to the bank. were constables. I assisted Sergeant Nassib. home in a rickshaw about 2 o'clock. I got permission from Mr. Daniel at about 5. and placed some men in our premises. I rendered services in the night. I did not fire in Main Street. I did not incite crowds. I have dealings with Moors.
It was
I went
There
Cross-examined: On my way to the bank I suggested to my brother-in-law to remove the sign-boards. I saw the shroff at the bank. I was first surprised to find my shop closed in the morning. I also carried a revolver with me in the morning, as I knew there would be trouble. We travelled together. The first accused did not tell me he was also carrying a revolver.
William Dias, sworn.
Shroff, Mercantile Bank. I know the second accused. His firm has dealings in the bank. On the 1st June the second accused came to the bank on business. He came three times between half-past 10 and 2. The first time he was there about ten or fifteen minutes. The second time he came at about half-past 11 or 12, and stayed for a few minutes. The third time he came after half-past 1.
R. W. Byrde, sworn.
Mayor, Colombo. There were disturbances on the 1st June. I know the second accused. On that night, from 10, opposite the Town Hall, I remember meeting de Saram and second accused. I asked him to help with his motor-car.. They ren- dered services taking Punjabis to places required.
W. A. Stone, sworn.
Principal, St. Thomas's College. The second accused was educated at my college. He was a boy of good character.
Third accused, Namanidewage Edwin Wijesekera, affd.
Younger brother of the second accused. Have not much to do in the shop. On the 1st June I came in the car. Got down near Pedris's shop. After five minutes
I went off to Bankshall Street. I had been sued by a Chetty, and the case was to be tried that day in the District Court. From Bankshall Street I left between 10 and 10.15, and I was at de Saram's office at about quarter to 11. After a few minutes The case was called about 11 or went to the library, and from there to the Court. 11.30. The case was over at about 12. I telephoned for the car and went to Main Street at about 1.30. The second accused was arrested on the 5th. Brother-in-law
Even then no complaint was made against me. was arrested on the 8th. 14th no charge was made against me. I had nothing to do with the disturbance.
Cross-examined: In the case I consented to the judgment.
D. D. de Saram, sworn.
I
Until
Proctor. Trial of 37701 was fixed for the 1st June. The third accused came to me in the morning at about half-past 10. gave him brief, and asked him to go to the Court. After the case was over he came to Mr. Loos's Court. It was some He told me there was trouble time after 12. He was waiting for me till about 1.
in Bankshall Street.
L. H. de Aluris, sworn.
Advocate. Sergeant. Town Guard. I appeared for the third accused on the trial on 1st June. About quarter to 11 I saw him with Mr. de Saram. They saw me at the Law Library. I do not know his movements after 12.
53
The Court had no difficulty in deciding in the case of first and second accused. With regard to the third accused, his alibi was good from about 11 to 12 daytime. The Court had some doubts as to his presence during the firing.
Also they noted great resemblance between second and third accused. Two types of bullets were found to have been fired, one lead and one nickel covered, showing that two revolvers had been used. The Court acquitted the third accused, giving him the benefit of the doubt.
R. L. MUSPRATT-WILLIAMS, Lieut.-Col.,
Royal Artillery,
President.
2nd July, 1915.
Certified true copy.
L. A. NORTHCOTE, Captain,
D.A.A.G., Ceylon.
9th July, 1915
35846
No. 33.
THE GOVERNOR to THE SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received 4th August, 1915.)
[Copy to War Office and India Office, 17th August, 1915. Secret. L.F.F.]
(Confidential.)
37091
The Queen's House, Colombo, Ceylon, 18th July, 1915. [Published as No. 12 in [Cd. 8167], January, 1916.]
No. 34.
THE GOVERNOR to THE SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received 12th August, 1915.)
[Copy to War Office and India Office, 27th August, 1915. L.F.F.] (Confidential.)
SIR,
The Queen's House, Colombo, Ceylon, 22nd July, 1915. IN continuation of my Confidential despatch of the 18th July,* I have the honour to forward, for your information, the following local reports with regard
to the riots :-
1. An extract from the diary of the Assistant Government Agent, Matara, for June, 1915.
2. An extract from the diary of the Assistant Government Agent, Ham-
bantota, for June, 1915.
3. A copy of a letter from the District Judge, Negombo.
4. An extract from a letter from the Assistant Government Agent, Kegalle.
5. A copy of a letter from the Government Agent, Province of Sabara- gamuwa.
6. A copy of a report from the Special Commissioner working in the Yatinuwara, Harris Pattu, Tumpane, and Uda Nuwara Divisions in the Central Province.
I have, &c.,
ROBERT CHALMERS,
* No. 12 in [Cd. 8167.]
Governor, &c.