During
the riots of 1915, one of those who was imprisoned was Don Samuel
Situge de Silva. His father, Don Hendrick Situge de Silva, who was the
famous Buddhist philanthropist, sent his only son, Don Samuel, to
Richmond. After leaving Richmond, Don Samuel became a well-known public
worker. He was taken into custody along with other great nationalists
such as D. S. Senanayake and Edmund Hewavitharana. Don Samuel died in
prison.
The
Richmond College Magazine of 1915 records his death in the following
words: ‘He was tried by court for alleged rioting: he was sentenced to a
long term of imprisonment. In revision of judgement, H. E. the Governor
found him not guilty and ordered his release. The order came too late,
for he had passed away the previous day.’ His memory will always be cherished by Richmondites as that of a great patriot who sacrificed his life for his motherland.
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