Welikada Prison Archives

The wistful musings of a reluctant émigré-By Dr Nihal D Amerasekera Source:Island It has been a cold and wet winter in London. As I snuggle-up in my rocking chair to write my thoughts I can hear the wind howling outside. The raindrops are carried horizontally by the strong south-westerly wind battering the window panes and dripping down in torrents. I still have grateful memories of a happy 12 years at Wesley College. The school on Karlsruhe Hill was established with missionary zeal and some colonial vigour but it catered for all Ceylonese. The school became the cradle of multiculturalism. Protected from the polarised world outside, it remained secular and was driven by merit. Since the very beginning Wesley has strived hard to become a modern, forward-thinking school. The school has a strong record of academic achievements and a full programme of wider life activities, including the arts and sports. ...

Cricket, a flamboyant lifestyle, a murder trial, and legenday Sathasivam Source:Manthrana ‘Tell her she is next on the list’ while on remand at the Welikada Prison Sathasivam told his friend Alfred Moragoda when Moragoda confessed that his wife believes that ‘Satha’ was guilty for the murder of Mrs Sathasivam. ‘Not Guilty’ Justice Noel Gratiaen announced the final verdict after Sathasivam spent 20 months in remand custody. The defense was headed by Dr Colvin R de Silva, well isn’t that a good enough reason to believe that ‘Satha’ was not guilty. Adding on, Sir Sydney Smith, a forensic scientist flew from Great Britain to assist the defense. Yes, the power of money and fame, one may say. Once again, the greatest batsman to play cricket for ‘Ceylon’, illustrious Mahadevan Sathasivam was free to assault the bowlers with his elegant stroke play during the day and party late into the night. ‘If ...