Freedom struggle heroes of 1818 felicitated

Priyanka KURUGALA

Cultural and Arts Affairs Minister T B Ekanayake presenting the book “1818 Nidahas Aragalaye Purogamiyo” written by Prof Anura Manatunga to Dhananjanee Kumari Monaravila Keppetipola who is a delegate of the Monaravila generation. Information Technology Minister Rangith Siyambalapitiya and Cultural Affairs Ministry Secretary Wimal Rubasinghe also participated.

The Cultural Affairs Ministry has taken action to declare 778 individuals as patriots of Sri Lanka who provided their immense contribution to the country to free the motherland from British imperialism during the freedom struggle of 1818, which was the first struggle for freedom. This was done under the instructions of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, a Cultural and Arts Affairs Ministry spokesperson said.

These 778 patriotic individuals had lost their wealth and the British government had confiscated all their properties in 1818. In addition, these national heroes were accused to be traitors by the British government.

University of Kelaniya Archaeological Department Prof Anura Manatunga has prepared a book comprising all the details of these patriots. This book was presented to President Mahinda Rajapaksa by Prof Manatunga at the book launch held at Temple Trees recently.

The ceremony was named Jathika Weera Pranama Ulela. Felicitation lectures were delivered by Prof Anura Manatunga and National Archives Department Former Director K D G Wimalaratna.