CO882-(1-2) — Page 120

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

PC.O. 882

1

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-

COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO

118

To Mr. Buller's letter there are appended others from gentlemen present, who add the expression of their own conviction, that the charge of treason was fully established by the priest's own con- fession.

This is the opinion of Mr. Staples, the District Judge, judging from the records of the court- martial. The Deputy Queen's Advocate has added a similar attestation.

The Rev. Mr. Glennie, who was present, has equally attested the impression on his mind of the prisoner's guilt left by the proceedings on the trial and his own ineffectual defence. He says, "there could not exist a shadow of doubt as to his guilt in the mind of any unbiassed man; the court martial appeared to me to be conducted with the greatest possible fairness towards the prisoner." (Page 49.) Mr. Glennie instances the desire of Major Lushington that some one of the proctors

present should give the prisoner the benefit of their professional assurance, coupled with the fact of them all declining to do so.

In the papers attached to Lord Torrington's despatch of the 14th November 1849, there is a a document which still further confirms the guilt of the priest and the justice of the court martial's decision.

Captain Fenwick conducted him to the place of execution; on the way "Captain Fenwick asked him if he had anything to say, and if he was guilty, the priest replied, guilty so far as being with the King; but, that he was a poor man and did not mean any harm." (Enc. 10, p. 94.)

Unfortunately the guilt of the prisoner does not rest alone, when the evidence, however sufficient, which was adduced on the trial, for in the interval that has since elapsed, the most unquestionable authority has been placed in the hands of the Governor, to prove that for many years back, Kahalli, the priest, has made himself conspicuous amongst his own countrymen for his detestation of the British, and his connexion with many recent conspiracies for their expulsion from Kandy.

Two statements are attached to Mr. Buller's letters; from which it appears that he was identi- fied as having been the confidential attendant of the Pretender Chandrayotte, during the con.

119

spiracy of 1842, and I have here a statement which I produce from the priests of one of the temples near Colombo, from which it will be seen that within the last twelve months, he was engaged

in the same pursuits, and spoke freely of the con- spiracies then in progress, and the steady outbreak of another insurrection with a view to the restora- tion of the Kandyan Monarchy.

(Translation.)

About eight years ago the Buddhist Priest named Kahalle or Kadahapolle Unnanse, came to the Pancel at Kottenchene, in Colombo, to learn Pali, and whilst he was studying he was attacked with dysentery, which induced him to return to his country. After the lapse of some years he came again to Kottenchene, and resided there

for about a year, studying Pali, Ella, &c. During

his stay he used to speak of the fame of the Kandyan Kings; and it was apparent, from his conversations during that time, that he was under the impression and belief that a Singhalese King would be raised to govern this country, and that persons competent to govern it were not altogether. extinct --- that he, the said Kadahapolle, was a descendant of a family fit to hold such offices as Demsaves, &c. under such a Government, and that should he be appointed to such an office, it would be in his power to assist any person. It was thought at the time that he spoke those things through ignorance.

After having made some progress in his studies he returned to his country, Kandy. Subsequently it was told that he was shot at Kandy for having adhered to, and acted in behalf of the Pretender, who called himself a King, and disturbed the peace of the country.

Thus this was written and signed at Colombo, on the 3rd December, 1849, by me, Mobotty- watts, Goonanande, Unnanse of the Pancel at Kottanchane.

Signature of Goonanande UnnanNG.

E. DE SARAN.

A true Translation,

โ

1

Page 120!