168 Topographical and Statistical Account of 



own history or religion ; and though they say that they have a 

 copy of the Maha Wanse, acknowledge that they have never 

 read it. As they do not take the slightest trouble with the 

 people, and generally disappear until the time of the festivals 

 approaches (at which period offerings to a large amount are 

 brought in), the people are heartily wearied of their yoke, and 

 if no external aid be afforded to the religion, it will soon be 

 practically extinct. 



I confess to having an extremely low opinion of the Bood- 

 hist priesthood. To judge from those whom I have met (the 

 number is not small,) I think they will be found idle, selfish, 

 inconsistent, and, ex-ojfficio, discontented. 



Means of Communication. 



There are no navigable or perennial rivers, and no canals 

 in the District ; and the trade of the country will not for a long 

 time to come justify Government in altering this state of mat- 

 ters. Up till the year 1845 the only road in this District was 

 that from Manaar to Anooradhapoora, along which the tappal 

 has hitherto been carried. About the period mentioned, a 

 sudden advance was made ; a great central route passing from 

 North to South, and opening the communication between 

 Jaffna and Kandy, having been surveyed and cleared ; others 

 leading to Trincomalee and to Putlam were also opened, so 

 far as they lie within this District. 



That most excellent of laws, the Road Ordinance of 1848, 

 has here, as elsewhere, effected much good ; it is only neces- 

 sary to remark, that the following works have been carried 

 out within the last three years. 



1. That the Central line between Jaffna and Kandy has 

 received, general and extensive repairs. 



