152 



JOURNAL K. A. S. (CEYLON.) 



[Vol. III. 



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 matters. 

 Up till the year 1845, the only road in this district was that from 

 Mannar to Anuradhapura, 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 being surveyed and cleared ; others leading to Trinco- 

 malie and to Puttalam were also opened , so far as they lie within 

 this district. 



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

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

 to remark, that the following works have been carried out 

 within the last three years : — 



I. The central line between Jaffna and Kandy has received 

 general and extensive repair. 



II. A substantial bridge, with three water-ways, has been 

 constructed over the Saiigill, Kanadara~oya. 



III. The Puttalam road has been brought into such a state 

 of efficiency as the present nature of the traffic requires. 



IV. Similar improvements to the Trincomalie road have also 

 been carried out. 



V. The Mannar road has received general repair, though no 

 permanent bridges have been made. 



VI. A road between Madawachchi on the central, and Horowe- 

 potane on the Trincomalie road, has been surveyed, traced, 

 and cleared throughout its whole length, though a few miles are 

 still not available for cart traffic. 



VI. Another line joining Kekirawe on the central, with Mara- 

 gahawewa on the Puttalam road, has been f-urveyed, traced, and 

 opened, throughout about 24£ miles of its course 



VIII. A line joining Mahakekirawe with Horowepotane, 

 (both as abovementioned;) has also been traced. 



