From The Hindu Archives, April 2, 1926: Infanticide law in Ceylon

Colombo, March 31: A proposal is before the Ceylon Government to the effect, that an Act, similar to the English Infanticide Act of 1922 should be introduced. At present, all women accused of infanticide are charged under certain classes in the Ceylon Penal Code as murderers. In cases of infanticide, the accused person is sentenced to death. But, in every instance, the sentence is contracted to a long term of imprisonment by the Governor, generally fifteen to twenty years.

The Board of Jail Visitors which considered the matter were of opinion that the term of imprisonment should be less on account of the circumstances in which the majority of the cases of infanticide are committed. The Board has asked the Government for the release of ten women who are at present serving sentences for infanticide.