Note 181 — Chapter XX · TRINCOMALEE TO GALLE

Here is a case in point:—

‘Murder arising out of a Claim for a Coco-nut Tree.—On September 11, 1890, Josappu, a tavern-keeper of Payyagala, was severely assaulted by his cousin Bachappu and two others. The injured man was removed to the Kalutara Hospital, where he died the following day. It would seem that Josappu claimed a share of the profits of a coco-nut tree which Bachappu was exclusively enjoying. The latter could not or would not see the validity of his cousin’s claim. A quarrel ensued, with the result aforesaid.’