(COLOMBO) – A Presidential pardon was granted to Diyunuge Edward Henry Pedris, who was unjustly executed on July 7, 1915 following a wrongful trial by a Court Martial set up by the Governor of Ceylon on June 25, 1915.
An extraordinary gazette notification was issued announcing the decision yesterday by President Ranil Wickremesinge.
Cabinet approval was granted in December 2023 following an investigation into the killing of Edward Henry Pedris, who was executed 108 years ago by a colonial Court Martial.
Pedris, was 27-years-old at the time, was brought before a Military Court and convicted of treason by the colonial administration in Sri Lanka. He was accused of participating in riots and betraying the Government. Despite multiple appeals, he was sentenced to death and executed on July 7, 1915. (COPY ENDS)
