§ 19. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House any information regarding the recent riots in Ceylon?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Bonar Law)On the 28th May, the festival of Buddha's birthday, the hostility felt against the Mahomedans by the Buddhists gathered in Kandy for the celebrations resulted in serious disturbances, which took the form of attacks on Mahomedan mosques and shops. During the next few days the rioting spread to Colombo and to other parts of the Colony, and it became necessary to proclaim martial law in five provinces. The military forces in the Colony quickly succeeded in suppressing the disturbances. I have not yet received details of the loss of life and destruction of property which were suffered. Inquiry is being made on the spot into the origin of the rioting, with a view to the punishment of those responsible. I propose to lay Papers on the subject when I have received a full account from the Governor.
§ Sir J. D. REESWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire if German agency was apparent in any way to this affair?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have seen a statement to that effect in the papers, but, although I have received voluminous accounts from the Colony, there is no indication in them of any such agency.