§ 18. Mr. VIANTasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received a petition from the Panadura Mahajana Sabha with reference to the action of the Ceylon Government in overriding a Resolution of the Legislative Council of Ceylon and renewing a hotel licence in Panadura after the residents had, by the exercise of local option, voted for the closing of all licensed premises within the area; and whether he will cause an inquiry to be made into the circumstances of this case with a view to determining the matter in accordance with the wishes of the inhabitants?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREA copy of the petition has been brought to my right hon. Friend's notice unofficially, but it has not yet reached hint through the official channel prescribed by Colonial Regulations. The Governor will doubtless forward it to him in due course with his Report and observations, and it will then receive his careful consideration.