244, Sir Joun D’Orty’s Sketch of the 
Suicide. 
Suicide is not unfrequent amongst the Kandyans, and is frequently 
committed under such circumstances, as shew an extraordinary contempt of 
life, and at the same time a desire of revenge. 
The instances are chiefly those in which a person has suffered a trifling 
injury from another, such as if he has been slandered, if he has ineffectually 
endeavoured to obtain satisfaction for a claim, if his crops have been 
spoiled by another’s cattle, or if the object of his affections has been given 
away to another. Ascending the tree, and on the point of perpetrating the 
fatal act, he proclaims aloud that such a person has done him such an injury, 
and that he dies on his account, under the idea that he shall draw down pu- 
nishment upon the person who has injured him, as being the immediate 
cause of his death. ; 
In such cases the person to whom the dying man imputed his death is 
called and examined with respect to the offence charged ; and if culpable, 
merely to suffer such penalty as would be awarded if no suicide had taken 
place. 
But-there are also instances in which a person threatens aloud, within 
hearing of the man who had injured him, that he is about to commit suicide 
for such a cause, but without the intention of committing it, and with the 
mere view of compelling satisfaction. 
It has been observed that suicides are more frequent in Uwa and Wala- 
pane, but several instances have occurred in other provinces and in the dis- 
tricts near Kandy. 
Of Oaths. 
It is the object of oaths to obtain, in cases doubtful to human understand- 
ing, ajudgment of the deity, which it is supposed will be given by a mani- 
fest sign or infliction when imprecated with solemn ceremonies. 
The following species of oaths are in most frequent use : 
Ist. By hot oil. 
This oath can be administered only by authority of the Adékars in the 
districts surrounding Kandy, of the Desaves in their respective desavonies, 
and of the Wanniyars of Nawerekalawiga. 
The same power has been exercised by the principal Mohottales of Saffre- 
gam, Seven Korles, and Wellasse. It is forbidden in the town of Kandy, 
and takes place either at the Diwurum Bogaha at Ampitiye, the Bogaha at 
Ganoruwe, or the Bogaha at Gowagodopitiya. 
