Constitution of the Kandyan Kingdom. 233 
the principal of the village, next to the head men or chief’ of the province, 
next to his superior chief, to the Adikar, to the Great Court, and lastly to 
the King. Appeal lying from all the subordinate to any of the inter- 
mediate, or to the supreme authority, in case either party be dissatisfied with 
their decision. 
But several circumstances remain to be mentioned which tended to prevent 
the impartial administration of justice, and corruption has unfortunately 
pervaded almost all its branches. 
Ist, Justice in very few cases is administered gratuitously. 
It is said that in former times, and according to the lawful custom of the 
kingdom, no other fee was payable than a sum of five or ten ridi by the 
gainer of the suit, upon receiving the sétta or written decree in his favour, 
and that verbal orders have on different occasions been given by the Kings 
forbidding the chiefs to receive bribes (though it is denied by some to the 
extent stated) and do injustice. 
But as the presents are conveyed in private, such occasional orders were 
unavailing to prevent it, and it is certain that the practice prevailed to such 
an extent as to corrupt the system. 
Every person appearing before his chief, whether on account of a com- 
plaint or for any other cause, is expected to bring with him forty betel 
leaves, and, unless he be exceedingly poor, a pingo of dressed rice or cakes, 
Jaggery, fruits or vegetables, the value of which is trifling, and being 
established universally by custom, it is a token of respect and not a bribe. 
But in order that the case may be brought to a spee dy hearing, the com- 
plainant is frequently under the necessity of presenting (or at least finds his 
advantage in doing so) a fee called bulatsuralla, of a few ridi value, to his 
head man, to the Walauwa Moholla or Vidan ; and in the course of the suit 
frequently conveys to the Chief, who is his judge, other presents, according 
to his ability or to the value of his claim, and his adversary often adopts the 
same course to secure his interest. 
The advantage of the rich over the poor suitor and other consequences 
of this practice, are too obvious to pursue farther. 
2d. All fines levied by the chiefs belong, not to the crown, but are the 
entire perquisite of him who levies them. 
3d, ‘The Kandyan chiefs had no stipends, and the short period for which 
all, except the Adikars, are usually allowed to remain in the same office, 
though guilty of no offence, was a strong additional inducement to take 
2. g 
