§ 17. Mr. MORRELLasked the Secretary for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that the Ceylon Blue Book, Cd. 8167, does not contain proclamations and instructions of great importance, including a proclamation under which power was given to shoot British subjects at sight upon their refusal to supply information, he will now cause to be laid upon the Table copies of all official proclamations and orders issued in Ceylon from 1st June to 30th August, 1915?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have seen a reproduction of a notice which warns people of the punishment to which persons who commit certain offences, including the suppression of evidence concerning rioters, render themselves liable. No such notice could, of course, give any power not otherwise possessed by the executive. I see no reason for publishing any further Papers about the Ceylon riots.
§ 18. Mr. MORRELLasked whether three prominent Sinhalese, named respectively, D. Goonewardena, D. Goonesekera, and G. Perera, of Hanwella, were sentenced to death by court-martial for offences in connection with, the Ceylon riots; whether their sentences were commuted; whether the innocence of these gentlemen has now been completely established and their release; ordered; and whether any compensation will be made to these gentlemen for the injury they have suffered?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have already informed the House that the Governor of Ceylon is personally investigating the cases of persons convicted by courts-martial of offences connected with the 1103 riots. I have received no report on the investigation of the cases mentioned in the question, but I will ask for one.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI hardly think that will be necessary. I shall be glad to give information in answer to a question.
19. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked how many persons imprisoned in Ceylon in connection with the riots have been released since the arrival of Sir John Anderson?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have not yet received a report in the matter.