Riots and Martial Law in Ceylon, 1915 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1916 edition. Excerpt: ...devotion to the British Throne by readily appearing before the Special Commissioner on the first day in the presence of the Punjabis, who were a source of great fear and alarm to the villagers. Owing to their loyalty and devotion to the British rule, for which the Sinhalese are conspicuous, they signed the documents and gave up their deeds, although in doing so they were aware that they were not in a position to pay the amount demanded. The villagers are very poor and quite unable to pay. There is not a single boutique in the village belonging to a Moor. They pray for exemption. This is from the village of Kehelbaddara in the Petitioners bem tow Dasiya pattu of Alutkuru korale. The damages to the Commissioner were the Moors are put down at Rs. 25,000, to be paid TMly main be haied within a year in four instalments. The petitioners "JJ'L'Phll were informed that as security for the due payment JjSJTJSe.TS of the amount they should deposit with the Com-, dgnal bond" missioner their title deeds to cover an amount equivalent to double the compensation, together with Rs. 68.50 as stamp fees for the bonds. They were further informed that, if they failed to comply with this order, they would be hauled up by the Punjabis before the Special Commissioner and severely punished by Court Martial. Through fear the petitioners took their deeds and the amount required for the stamp fees and handed the same to the Commissioner, who asked them to sign certain papers, which they did, but up to date they are absolutely ignorant of the contents thereof. The majority of the villagers do cooly work and sell fish. The people who own any property are few and far between. The majority are so poor that they lead a hand-to-mouth existence, and they find it extremely...