Captain Pedris was one of the leading figures of the freedom struggle to win independence to Sri Lanka from the colonial rulers. He was a prominent social activist as well as military officer of the British colonial regime.

He was executed by British officials for alleged incitement of racial riots in 1915, which were proven false.

His execution was viewed as extremely unjust by most Sri Lankans. His name was written in Sri Lankan history as a hero who sacrificed his life for the country.  

President Sirisena garlanded the photograph of Captain Edward Henry Pedris and paid his respects to the martyr.  A book titled; ‘Heroic Nationalism of Edward Henry Pedris’ was presented jointly to President Sirisena by the President of Edward Henry Pedris Commemoration Committee Mr. Anura Bastian and the author of the book Mr. Upul Galappaththi.