President Maithripala Sirisena rescinded a colonial-era British order naming 19 nationals as “traitors” for leading a rebellion nearly 200 years ago yesterday. 

President's office said, as he strives to shore up his fading popularity.

President hailed the local heroes who led the insurrection against the island’s British rulers.

The move was criticized by some as a political gimmick. 

President said he had “canceled the gazette notice issued by then governor of Sri Lanka Robert Brownrigg in 1818 naming the … Sinhalese leaders as traitors.”