Captain Edward Henry Pedris, who was sentenced to death by the British rulers 109 years ago on a court martial decision, has been pardoned by the President after 109 years.
It is stated that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has announced this presidential pardon in accordance with the powers assigned under Article 33(h) of the Constitution by issuing a special gazette announcement.
Edward Hendry Pedris was shot dead on July 7, 1915 after an unfair trial by a court-martial appointed by a proclamation issued by Robert Chalmers, the Governor of Ceylon on June 25, 1915.
Born on August 16, 1888 in Galle, Mr. Henry Pedris was a prominent social activist who lived in Ceylon during the British rule, as well as a military officer with the rank of captain who served in the Ceylon Defense Force and Colombo City Guard Force. In 1915, he was accused of inciting the racist riots.