19 persons including Keppetipola, named traitors by the British, declared as war heroes

Government 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 Keppetipola Disawe as being traitors.

Keppetipola Disawe, who was a local leader, along with his men, were declared as being traitors, during the 1818 rebellion against British rule.

The Great Rebellion of 1817–1818, also known as the 1818 Uva–Wellassa uprising was the third of the Kandyan Wars against British colonial forces.