Attygalle murder

The murder became Ceylon's first sensational trial, which lay blame on Attygalle's brother-in-law John Kotelawala Sr, who committed suicide in jail before the verdict was given.

As dowry, John Kotelawala received 2,058 acres (833 ha) of rubber and coconut estates, as well as one-fourth share of graphite mines owned by the Attygalle family.

She filed several cases in the Kurunegala District Court to eject him from the management and Francis Dixon Attygalle left Wesley College, aged 16 to take over the family business.

Petronella made representations to the Governor and had letters of venia aetatis conferred, thus freeing Francis Dixon Attygalle from the status as a minor.

[3] Piloris alias Pila, was hired by Singhoney Perera and Baron Singho to carry out the murder since he knew how to handle a gun, having fought in the Boer War under Winston Churchill.

[3] Alice Elizabeth Kotelawala and her young family faced destitution having spent a large amount of funds on her husband's legal defence.