Amongst the cases that were tried from the Matara District were ‘Horagaoda Riots’ case which was held on the 5th June 1915.The remarkable graphic description provided in ‘Ceylon Police and Sinhala-Muslim Riots of 1915’ written by A.C. Dep published by Vishvalekha [at pages 123-4] Thus:
“The 14 accused were charge with Treason , riotoriously demolishing buildings and wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.”
The first Accused sentenced was Situge Samuel de Silva for 20 years Penal Servitude. This accused was defended by highly paid EARDLEY NORTON*the well famed Indian Barrister who appeared for Edmund Hewawitharana and Henry Pediris.(*vide :A .R.B. AMERASINSHE ‘s SUPREME COURT OF SRI LANKA 1986 Vishvalekha)
Eardley Norton is considered as one of the Greatest Advocates of India.
