Nineteen Ceylonese rebel leaders who rose against the British rule two centuries ago are still listed as traitors, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs Palitha Thewarapperuma told in Parliament recently.

These 19 were listed as traitors to the British crown, which at the time ruled Ceylon, on January 10, 1818, through a Gazette notice.

Even after nearly 70 years of independence, the government has not repealed this announcement, the deputy minister said, and called on the Ministry of Justice to take necessary steps to do so.

The Great Uva-Wellasa Uprising against the British rule broke out in October 1817 and was crushed within 12 months.