Saradiel - the Robin Hood of Sri Lanka

by W. T. A. Leslie Fernando

Saradiel known as the 'Robinhood of Sri Lanka' was the most daring brigand that ever lived in our country. The sentence of death was executed on him as he defied law and order and scuttled the British might for several years on May 7, 1864.

Saradiel in custody

Deekirikawage Saradiel was born on March 25, 1832. His father had to frequent the Kegalle district for his business. He was from Haldanduwana, Dankotuwa. For some time he lived with Pitchohamy at Utuwankanda. Saradiel was the eldest son born to them. He was sent to Ilukgoda temple for his education. At the temple Saradiel proved to be intelligent and he used to qurrel with other students.

Even as a child Saradiel is said to have stood for the weaklings who were looked down upon and harassed by the children of the aristocracy. His studies came to an abrupt end when he was arrested and severely dealt by the police for assaulting a rich boy who was a close relative of a police vidane.

In his young days itself Saradiel formed a gang and began to defy the law. Saradiel once got hold of a rich merchant called Bawa and cut half of his moustache and robbed him of his money and goods and distributed them among the poor. Soon Saradiel's name came to be associated with various thefts in the area.

However, he kept away from the long arm of the law. Subsequently, Saradiel left the village and secured employment as a Barrack boy in Colombo. At the barracks Saradiel came into contact with soldiers and learned how to use guns and other implements.

Criminals

Saradiel came back to Utuwankanda and began to associate with notorious criminals in the area. He chose a life of highway robbery and daring exploits of Saradiel came to be known among the people. He was arrested for murdering and robbing a rich Natakoti Chettiar and was discharged for want of evidence. However, as a consequence or robbing Molligoda Walawwa, a warrant was issued to arrest him.

To evade arrest he went to Chilaw where his father was living. His father refused to give him shelter. Then Saradiel decided to return to Utuwankanda. While he was returning, the police detected him at Pilawatte near Negombo. In the struggle that ensued Saradiel stabbed a police informant before he was arrested. The man later died of the wounds and Saradiel was taken into custody. But Saradiel escaped from prison before the date of the trial.

Saradiel returned to Utuwankanda and formed a gang of robbers among whom Hawadiya, Bawa, Sirimala, Kirihonda, Suwanda and Mammalay Marikkar were the most noted. Their centre of activity was Utuwankanda, a safe hideout. The gang waylaid carriages and coaches and robed the people.

Contractors taking goods from Kandy and outlying stations sought protection.

Terrified passengers spoke of horrifying stories of Saradiel and his gang. Exploits of Saradiel and his band came to be known all over the country. Traffic in Kandy was often interrupted due to his plundering in the environs.

Terror

Saradiel and his gang were such a terror in the district, that the government had to send reinforcements to Mawanella and Hingula police stations. The Government Agent of Kegalle instructed the villagers to get the help of Rate Mahattaya to arrest Saradiel. While the authorities were planning to arrest Saradiel, his daring deeds spread to Rambukkana, Polgahawela and Kurunegala areas.

In Galagedara Saradiel killed an Arab who came to sell horses and snatched Rs. 500 from him. Two traders were killed on the spot on suspicion that they were police spies. Once the villagers and the police surrounded Saradiel's mother's house he shot dead two people and fled to the jungles of Matale. Siriamal, one of Saradiel's gang defected and wanted the police to arrest his leader. He got Saradiel to take refuge in a two-storeyed building at Mawanella. On a tipoff a police party surrounded the house and found Saradiel with Mammalay Marikkar.

Sgt. Ahamath opened fire at Saradiel injuring him. But Mammalay Marikkar shot constable Shaban dead. Sgt. Ahamath however, escaped death. Just then AGA Kegalle arrived at the scene with a detachment of Ceylon Rifles. Then both of them found further resistance futile and surrendered.

Saradiel and Mammalay Marikkar were tied with strong chords and were taken to Kandy. They were tried at Kandy Assizes before an English speaking jury.

Richard Morgan the Crown Advocate who conducted the prosecution in the case against Saradiel and Mammalay Marikkar commended the zeal and bravery of the two police officers who took part in the operation. Constable Shaban was the first police officer to die in action. Accordingly every year the police Heroes' Day is commemorated in Sri Lanka on March 21.

Saradiel and Mammalay Marikkar were hanged on May 7, 1864.

Thousands flocked to the streets of Kandy to have a glimpse of Saradiel. They expected to see a well built, ferocious looking man but were disappointed to see a slim man with a pleasant face. Mammalay Marikkar had no courage to speak before the execution but Saradiel addressed the gathering as a man who had gone astray and advised people to take a lesson from his life.