President Maithripala Sirisena today declares as patriots 82 heroes of 1818 Uva Wellassa rebellion who were sentenced to capital punishment and declared traitors by the British.

The historic ceremony to declare the heroes of the 1818 Uva-Wellassa Rebellion, who were sentenced to the capital punishment and were expatriated, as patriots was held today (01) at the Magul Maduwa in Kandy, under the patronage of the President.

The President signed the gazette declaring these 82 heroes of the 1818 rebellion as patriots at this historic ceremony named ‘Uththamaabhiwandana’, which is organized by the Department of Government Information. 
 
Chief Prelates of Malwatta and Asgiriya chapters, Ven. Maha Sangha, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Ministers, Parliamentarians, and the family members of the heroes of 1818 rebellion also participated at this event.

In December last year, Sri Lanka cleared the names of 19 nationals described as “traitors” for leading an insurrection against colonial rule nearly 200 years ago.  

President Maithripala Sirisena has annulled the Gazette issued in 1818 listing 19 Wellassa heroes including Monarawila Keppetipola as traitors.  

Keppetipola, more widely known as Keppetipola Disawe, a local leader, and his men were declared traitors over the 1818 rebellion against British rule.   

A recommendation was made to President Maithripala Sirisena to rescind the January 1818 gazette which declared 19 nationals, including Keppetipola Disawe, as traitors and make a fresh proclamation making them national heroes.

Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, won freedom in 1948, a year after Britain quit neighbouring India.