226 Sir Joun D’Oyxy’s Sketch of the 
jurisdiction) in communication with the proper chiefs, and never without 
their concurrence. 
Prisoners confined by the Adikar’s orders cannot be released by their 
proper chief without leave of the Adikar ; but fines which may be levied 
are the perquisite of the proper chief, and not of the Adikar. 
The proper chiefs, with regard to the infliction of punishments, are sub- 
ject to the same restrictions as the Adikars. 
In every case appeal lies to the King from the decision of the Adikars. 
Jurisdiction of the Desaves. 
The Desaves have jurisdiction over all persons and lands within their 
respective desavonies, except those attached to the King’s court or house- 
hold, or to the department of another chief appointed by the King; and 
they rarely exercise it over these unless upon the application of the 
proper chief, and sometimes by their own right, when upon extraordinary 
emergencies any such villages or departments are especially placed under 
their authority. Subject to these exceptions, they can hear and decide all 
civil cases without limitation of value. 
On the complaint of a desavony person, they can entertain his claim for 
Dukgenawele land, if the possessor be satisfied, and they can grant a decree 
in his favour; but if the Desave’s opinion be against the defendant the 
matter must be referred to the King. 
They can also hear and decide cases regarding lands subject to desavony 
service, between any persons whatsoever. 
They have power to grant sitta or written decrees for land, with their 
signature and dewe silta, or written oaths by oil, within their respective 
desavonies only. Subject to the same limitations, they can hear and decide 
all criminal cases, except the high crimes before stated to belong exclu- 
sively to the King’s jurisdiction; but they usually report to the King other 
remarkably atrocious offences, though subject to their own decision. 
They can award corporal punishment (except with the cane), imprison- 
ment, and fine, without any fixed limit in degree, upon persons subject to 
their jurisdiction; but are bound to pay regard to the rank and condition 
of the parties, according to the following rules established by usage :— 
Corporal punishment is not inflicted on persons of noble families, nor 
on the Atapattu, Desavony, or Koditwwakku Lekam, Korales of high 
family, the Wanniyar, the Walwwuwe, Mohottales, and Atapattu Aratchies 
